NEW DELHI, Oct. 9 (Xinhua) -- India's federal health ministry Friday said it has proposed stricter restrictions on the advertising of prescription medicines, seeking to extend existing regulatory requirements to drug retailers, wholesalers and distributors in a move aimed at curbing unauthorised promotion and strengthening patient safety.
The proposed amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, seeks to make prior approval of the federal government mandatory for advertisements relating to medicines listed under Schedule H, H1 and X.
The draft amendment has been notified through a Gazette notification dated Sept. 28, 2026, following consultations with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board.
The measure is expected to reinforce safeguards relating to medicines that require appropriate medical supervision, including certain antibiotics, psychotropic medicines and other prescription-only drugs, the ministry said.
According to the ministry, the move is aimed at curbing unauthorised promotion of prescription medicines and strengthening safeguards for public health.
In India, Schedule H, H1 and X drugs can be sold only under specific conditions, usually with a doctor's prescription. These rules help regulate medicines that may have serious side effects or carry a risk of dependence or misuse.
The ministry has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and members of the public within 30 days from the date on which copies of the Gazette containing the draft rules are made available to the public. ■