Govt Plans Approval Rule for Ads of Prescription Medicines
What Happened
The Union Health Ministry has proposed that pharmacies, wholesalers and drug distributors obtain prior approval from the Centre before advertising prescription medicines covered under Schedules H, H1 and X. The draft amendment seeks to extend existing advertising restrictions beyond manufacturers to the entire drug supply chain, aiming to curb unauthorised promotion and self-medication. The proposal is open for public comments for 30 days before being finalised.
Key Takeaways
If implemented, the rule will tighten oversight of prescription drug marketing, particularly for medicines requiring medical supervision, including certain antibiotics, psychotropic medicines and other drugs with misuse potential.