India to require licences for pharmacies and distributors to advertise prescription drugs
The health ministry plans to extend advertising bans on Schedule H, H1 and X medicines to retailers and wholesalers, pending government approval.
India’s health ministry announced a proposal to broaden the prohibition on advertising prescription medicines, including certain antibiotics and psychotropic drugs, to include retail and wholesale licence holders. Presently, only manufacturers need prior government approval to market drugs in Schedules H, H1 and X. The ministry’s statement noted that one outlet regulations do not explicitly apply to pharmacies or distributors.
The proposal, issued via a government notification, stems from recommendations by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board. It seeks to add sub-rule (22) under Rule 65 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, thereby extending the advertising ban to all entities involved in the sale and distribution of these medicines.
Why it matters
Extending the ad ban could limit how pharmacies promote prescription drugs, affecting market practices and consumer awareness.
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