9 months ago
India to Restrict Unlicensed Cough Syrup Sales in Villages
India wants to stop unlicensed cough syrup sales in small villages to keep children safe.
Many kids have died from bad cough syrups, so the government wants to make sure only safe ones are sold.
This will affect many small villages, and the sellers will need a special license to sell cough syrups.
India's drug regulator plans to revoke the 'household remedy' exemption for cough syrups in villages
This move aims to prevent child deaths from toxic cough syrups, as seen in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan
Over 3 lakh villages with populations below 1,000 will be affected by this change
Cough syrups will no longer be sold without a license in these areas, requiring vendors to obtain a drug sale license
The proposal will next be discussed by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board
- Who
- India's drug regulator, village vendors, children
- What
- Revoking the 'household remedy' exemption for cough syrups in villages
- Where
- Villages with populations below 1,000 people
- When
- Proposed change, deaths occurred earlier this year
- Why
- To prevent child deaths from toxic cough syrups
Key facts
- Affected villages
- Over 3.39 lakh villages with populations below 1,000
- Drugs affected
- Cough syrups, balms, bandages, paracetamol, and other drugs
- Current status
- Proposal being discussed by a top drug panel
- Next step
- Presentation to the Drugs Technical Advisory Board
Quotes
Government official
A government official involved in the discussion of the regulatory change.
“When cough syrups are sold without a licence by local, unlicensed vendors, the drugs become untraceable back to the source in the event of contamination.”
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Dr. Viranchi Shah, National President of Indian Drugs Manufacturer Association (IDMA)
The national president of the Indian Drugs Manufacturer Association (IDMA).
“Many cough syrup formulas must be used only in patients above 4 years of age. The supply chain of cough syrups also needs to be strengthened. In light of these developments, it is justified to remove cough syrups from Schedule K, meaning they must be sold through retail pharmacies / hospitals etc only.”
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Dr. Y.K. Gupta, former head of pharmacology at AIIMS and president of AIIMS Kalyani
A former head of pharmacology at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and current president of AIIMS Kalyani.
“Toxic contamination risks extend to other medicines such as paracetamol syrup. All medicines with potential impurities must undergo rigorous testing. Public and physician awareness is equally critical.”
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Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan, public health expert
A public health expert.
“Cough syrup can no longer be called a household remedy — a term that suggests it is harmless. I welcome the DCGI proposal saying the move would curb misuse without significantly affecting access to care.”
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