Health Ministry Targets Retailers in Prescription Drug Ad Crackdown

Guwahati: The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare wants to tighten the leash on prescription drug ads. Retailers and wholesalers now face new restrictions. The proposed amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, requires these entities to get central government approval before pushing any promotion for Schedule H, Schedule H1, or Schedule X medicines. This closes a gap in the current law, which only limits drug manufacturers.

Officials notified the plan through Gazette Notification GSR 861(E) on September 28, 2026. The move stems from the 93rd meeting of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board held on February 16, 2026. The board pushed for the change to fix regulatory oversight. The ministry intends to block the unauthorized promotion of drugs that require medical supervision, such as psychotropic substances and specific antibiotics. This curbs the dangers of self-medication.

If the government adopts the change, Rule 65 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, will include a new sub-rule 22. This covers anyone licensed to sell, stock, exhibit, or distribute these drugs. The ministry is now waiting for input from the public. "The submissions will be examined by the Central Government before the proposed amendment is finalised." Interested parties have 30 days to send their feedback to the government.