Archive · 11 Dec 2025
DCGI Bans Single-Drug Malaria Pills to Prevent Resistance
The DCGI has ordered a strict ban on single-drug malaria pills containing artemisinin.
This ban is important because using artemisinin alone can make the malaria parasite stronger and resistant to treatment.
The DCGI wants to stop any illegal production or sale of these single-drug pills.
Instead, they recommend using combination therapies where artemisinin is mixed with another drug.
This combination is more effective in curing malaria.
India has made big progress in reducing malaria cases, but there has been a recent increase, so this ban is crucial to keep the progress going.
The DCGI is working with state regulators to ensure no one is making or selling these banned pills.
DCGI has ordered a ban on oral single-drug artemisinin formulations to prevent malaria resistance.
The ban was first implemented in 2009 and reinforced in 2011 and 2023.
Using artemisinin alone can create 'super-parasites' resistant to standard treatments.
The DCGI has directed state drug controllers to trace and stop the manufacturing and sale of these banned pills.
India has seen a 78.1% reduction in malaria cases from 2015 to 2024, but recent increases have raised concerns.
- Who
- Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) and state drug controllers
- What
- Ban on oral single-drug artemisinin formulations to prevent malaria resistance
- When
- Ban since 2009, reinforced in 2011 and 2023
- Where
- India
- Why
- To prevent malaria parasite resistance and ensure effective treatment
- Drug in Question
- Oral single-drug artemisinin formulations
- Regulatory Body
- Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI)
- Ban Year
- 2009 (reinforced in 2011 and 2023)
- Penalty for Violation
- Imprisonment of 3+ years, fines, license cancellation
- Market Value
- $30.15 million (2024)
- Projected Market Value
- $38.82 million (2030)
- India's Malaria Burden
- 73.3% of WHO South-East Asia Region's cases (2024)
- Case Reduction (2015-2024)
- 78.1% reduction in malaria cases