India releases updated drug-prescribing guidelines to curb misuse and boost generic access

The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission, under the health ministry, has published updated selection criteria for the National Formulary of India 2026, covering essential medicines such as antibiotics, analgesics, government-approved drugs and low-cost generics sold through Jan Aushadhi outlets. The advisory guidelines draw monographs from five groups—including the National List of Essential Medicines, National Health Programme treatments, CDSCO-cleared drugs, Indian Pharmacopoeia-standard formulations, and expert-panel recommendations—and allow physicians to prescribe alternative strengths when clinically justified.

Officials say the aim is to curb irrational prescribing that fuels antimicrobial resistance and raises treatment costs, while maintaining doctors’ professional judgment. The revision builds on prior actions like banning irrational fixed-dose combinations, creating the Schedule H1 audit register, and mandating generic prescribing in public facilities. The document will be periodically reviewed to incorporate new evidence and expert input. Public health expert Rajeev Jayadevan praised the guidelines as a step toward rational drug use.