Government Drafts Stricter Rules for Schedule G Drug Ads
India proposes stricter drug ad rules for Schedule G medicines, seeking public feedback.
Breaking News
Jul 16, 2024
Mrudula Kulkarni

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.