K Amendment India: The government is about to make a major decision regarding cough syrups; now you won't be able to buy them without a prescription. Let's explain why this rule is being made and its advantages and disadvantages.
Cough Syrup Sale Ban Without Prescription: For some time now, the government has been making major and tough decisions regarding medicines, including the recent ban on high doses of the drug Nimesulide, and the recent stringent action taken after the deaths of children from cough syrup. Now, taking a major step towards ensuring public safety, the government has prepared to tighten the over-the-counter sale of cough syrups. To this end, the government has issued a draft notification amending the Drugs Rules, 1945. The Ministry of Health has proposed removing the word "syrup" from Schedule K. According to the Ministry, this step has been taken to make drug regulations clearer and more effective, so that the public interest can be better protected. Objections and suggestions have been sought from the public on this draft within 30 days.
What does the central government have to say?
The notification issued by the central government states, "These rules shall be called the Drugs (Amendment) Rules, 2025. These rules shall come into effect from the date of publication in the Official Gazette. Under the Drugs Rules, 1945, in Schedule K, at serial number 13, entry number 7 in the 'Class of Drugs' column, the word 'syrup' shall be deleted." The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare clarified that this draft has been issued under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The central government will consider all objections and suggestions received within the stipulated timeframe, and this proposal has been prepared after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board.
The notification states, "In exercise of the powers conferred under sections 12 and 33 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, this draft notification amending the Drugs Rules, 1945 is being published for public information. It will be considered after a period of 30 days." It should be noted that this schedule includes drugs that are exempt from certain strict regulations for sale. Additionally, a prescription or prescription is not required for purchase.
What do the experts say?
Dr. Santosh Kumar, director and pediatrician at Sanjivani Hospital, Darbhanga, called this decision a necessity in today's times. He said, "Syrups and liquid medicines are widely used by children, but these medicines are also the most commonly misused. Often, syrups are given without the correct dosage or without a doctor's advice, which can be harmful to children. If such medicines are available only on prescription, the habit of self-medication will decrease."
