00:00Next time you walk into a chemist shop and ask for a cough syrup, don't be surprised if you're asked
00:05for a doctor's prescription.
00:07Yes, in a major change that has been aimed at tightening drug safety norms,
00:11the centre has amended rules governing the sale of syrup-based medicines, including cough syrups.
00:17So simply put, these medicines will no longer be available over the counter.
00:22A valid doctor's prescription will now be required before you can buy them.
00:26So why has the government taken this step?
00:29The move that has come after years of growing concern over the misuse of cough syrups, self-medication and a
00:38series of alarming cases involving contaminated syrups.
00:42In recent years, India made cough syrups that came under international scrutiny after contamination-related incidents that had been reported
00:52and were linked, unfortunately, to the deaths of children in countries such as Gambia and Uzbekistan.
00:58Earlier this year, you would also remember how authorities in Madhya Pradesh had launched an investigation
01:03after two children died in Shephuri district following the consumption of medicines, including cough syrup.
01:10Another incident that had been reported in Rajasthan's Alwar district,
01:13where five children lost their lives and several others fell ill after consuming medicines later found to contain harmful substances.
01:21Until now, cough syrups were part of a category of medicines that enjoyed certain exemptions under Schedule K of the
01:29drug's rules.
01:30This meant that they could be sold more freely, particularly in smaller towns and villages where licensed pharmacies were not
01:38always available.
01:40Now, the latest amendment removes that exemption for syrups in specific,
01:45meaning that their sale will now be restricted to licensed pharmacies and under stricter supervision.
01:51Commonly sold over-the-counter cough syrups in India such as Benadryl, Glycodin, ZX, Cough Cills, Himalaya Coughlet, Dabar Honey
02:02Tuss.
02:03They will now require a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner to be purchased at retail pharmacies.
02:11Health experts have largely welcomed this move.
02:14They argue that cough syrups are among the most commonly self-prescribed medicines in India.
02:19The message from regulators is clear.
02:22Cough syrups may seem routine, but they are medicines and medicines that require oversight,
02:28which means that the next time you have a cold or a cough or a throat infection,
02:33you may now need to consult a doctor before purchasing a syrup-based medicine.
Comments