Doctor’s Prescription Now Mandatory for Cough Syrups, OTC Sales End

Brief By Hindustan Times / 11:41 AM on 16 Jun 2026

The Union Health Ministry has made doctors’ prescriptions mandatory for purchasing cough syrups and other syrup-based medicines, ending over-the-counter sales. The move follows amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, removing “syrups” from exempted medicines under Schedule K. Officials said the decision aims to strengthen regulation and prevent misuse amid concerns over deaths linked to contaminated cough syrups.