Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 16: The Centre has tightened regulations governing the sale of medicinal syrups, including cough syrups, by amending the Drugs Rules, 1945, making a doctor's prescription mandatory for their purchase from pharmacies.

The move follows growing concerns over the safety of syrup-based medicines after contaminated cough syrups were allegedly linked to the deaths of several children in parts of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, prompting calls for stricter regulation of such formulations.

According to a notification issued on June 9, 2026, the government has amended the Drugs Rules, 1945, under powers granted by the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The amendment came into effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette.

The key change removes the word "Syrups" from a category of medicines listed under Schedule K of the Drugs Rules. As a result, syrups that were previously available over the counter will now fall under stricter regulatory control and can only be sold against a valid prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner.

The amendment is expected to affect the routine purchase of commonly used medicinal syrups, particularly cough syrups, which were traditionally available directly from pharmacies without a prescription.

The government had first proposed the change through draft rules published in December 2025 and invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and the public. After reviewing the feedback received during the consultation period, the amendment was finalised and notified.

Officials said pharmacies across the country will now be required to comply with the revised regulations governing the sale of syrups and related liquid formulations.

The decision is aimed at strengthening oversight of medicinal syrups, improving patient safety and preventing misuse, while ensuring that such medicines are dispensed under appropriate medical supervision.