What do the government’s new rules say regarding the purchase of cough syrup? Doctors explained the simple thing

New Delhi: Till now the cough syrup which you used to buy directly from the chemist, will now not be available without a doctor’s prescription. The Central Government has implemented this rule by making changes in the Drugs Rules 1945. The objective is clear: to keep a strict vigil on the sale of syrup-based medicines across the country.

This decision has come at a time when there have been reports of deaths of children due to adulterated cough syrup in many countries including India. Officials say cough syrup will now be regulated like other prescription drugs.

What did the government change in the rules?   

The Ministry of Health has made changes to serial number 13 of Schedule K. Earlier, there was permission to sell cough syrup without prescription in villages with population of less than 1000. Now the word “syrup” has been removed from that entry.

This means that whether in village or city, cough syrup and other syrup based medicines will now be available only on doctor’s prescription. The chemist will not be able to give any syrup as per his wish.

How to buy cough syrup now?   

No ban has been imposed yet, only the process has changed. Now to get syrup from the pharmacy, you will have to show a doctor’s prescription. The ministry has asked manufacturers, distributors and retailers to strictly follow the licensing rules of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and Drugs Rules 1945.

What impact will it have on the market and customers?   

The market for cough syrup in India is quite large. By 2024, its market was worth around Rs 21,800 crore. According to some reports, it was worth $328 million in 2024 and is expected to go above $650 million by 2035. Every year the market is growing at a speed of 6.5 percent. The new rule will reduce over the counter sales, but it will stop the sale of fake and dangerous syrups.

Why was this decision necessary?   

Without doctor’s advice, chemists would often give any syrup for profit. Last year, around 25 children died after drinking poisonous cough syrup in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The government has taken this step to stop such cases. IMA President Dr. Anil Nayak says that most of the syrups contain a small amount of caffeine, which people also use for intoxication.

According to Dr. Jitendra Jain of Cocoon Hospital, cough itself is not a disease. This could be a symptom of viral, allergy, asthma or pneumonia. Giving syrup without checking can be dangerous for children. With the doctor’s advice, you will be able to get the right diagnosis, right medicine and right dosage. This change is considered necessary for the safety of children.