Government Drafts Stricter Rules for Schedule G Drug Ads

The Indian government has proposed changes to the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules of 1945 to regulate the advertising of medicines containing Schedule G drugs. These drugs require medical supervision but are not strictly prescription-only, and the new regulations aim to curb misleading advertisements. A draft notification issued on July 10, 2024, invites public comments over the next 45 days, marking an important move in controlling how critical drugs are promoted. Currently, advertisements for Schedule H, Schedule H1, and Schedule X drugs need prior government approval. The proposed amendment seeks to apply similar restrictions to Schedule G drug ads, which include essential medications for conditions like diabetes.

The draft notification, issued on July 10, 2024, seeks public feedback with a 45-day response window. This highlights the government’s commitment to preventing misleading ads that could affect the use of critical medications. Additionally, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare emphasized the existing Drugs and Magic Remedies Act of 1954, which bans ads claiming to cure certain listed diseases, reinforcing the regulatory environment around drug promotions.

Published under G.S.R.375(E), the draft rules suggest changes to various clauses of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, after consulting the Drugs Technical Advisory Board. Stakeholders are encouraged to send their objections or suggestions within the specified period to the Under Secretary (Drugs) at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. After the feedback period ends, the Central Government will review the comments and finalize the rules, which will then be published in the Official Gazette.