India Tightens Cough Syrup Sales Amid Safety Fears

India has implemented new regulations restricting the sale of cough syrups exclusively to licensed pharmacies nationwide. This measure intensifies regulatory scrutiny following a series of tragic incidents where children in Africa and Central Asia died due to contaminated cough syrups manufactured in India. Previously, certain cough syrups were exempt from strict rules, allowing over-the-counter sales in smaller villages and towns, sometimes even from non-pharmaceutical stores. The government has now removed these products from the exemption list. This ensures that cough syrups, unlike pills, tablets, and lozenges, must be dispensed only by duly licensed pharmacies. While cities already had such requirements, this update specifically addresses the sales practices in rural areas. The pharmaceutical industry, a significant contributor to India's economy, is under pressure to improve oversight and quality control. The country aims for its pharmaceutical sector to reach $130 billion in value by 2030, but recent events have tarnished its reputation as a global medicine supplier. Regulatory actions have included inspections of nearly 90% of cough syrup manufacturers, with non-compliant units facing penalties. Health experts emphasize the necessity of these changes to curb self-medication and address safety concerns.