New Delhi, June 16 (HS): The Centre has made it mandatory to obtain a doctor's prescription for the purchase of syrup-based medicines, including cough syrups, by amending the Drugs Rules, 1945.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued a notification in this regard under the Drugs (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026, which were notified in the Official Gazette on June 9.

According to the notification, the word Syrups has been removed from Item No. 7 under Serial No. 13 of Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945.

Schedule K contains categories of medicines exempted from certain provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, subject to specified conditions. With the removal of syrups from the list, such medicines will now be subject to the applicable regulatory requirements governing their sale.

The amendment follows a draft notification issued on December 29, 2025, seeking objections and suggestions from stakeholders and the public. The government said comments received on the draft proposal were considered before finalising the amendment.

The Health Ministry said the amendment was made after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board.

The Drugs Rules, 1945, framed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, regulate the manufacture, sale and distribution of medicines in the country.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar