Drugs and Cosmetics (Compounding of Offences) Rules, 2025
Individuals or companies involved in the manufacture, import, sale, distribution, or any other activity covered under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and its rules can apply to the designated compounding authority for the compounding of an offence. This application can be made either before or after the initiation of prosecution and must be submitted in the prescribed form along with relevant information and documents. Importantly, each company or person involved must submit an individual application.
India Launches National Zero Measles-Rubella Elimination Campaign 2025-26
Measles and Rubella, highly contagious viral diseases, can lead to severe complications and even death. India has set a target to eliminate these diseases by 2026, leveraging the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), which provides two free doses of the MR vaccine to eligible children at 9-12 months and 16-24 months.
Central Government Restricts Use of Common Cold Drug Combination in Children Under Four
The Central Government has now mandated that all manufacturers of fixed-dose combinations of Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride must clearly and prominently mention the warning “fixed dose combination shall not be used in children below four years of age” on the label, package insert, and any promotional literature associated with the drug.
India Launches Competency-Based Curricula for Ten Allied and Healthcare Professions
The newly developed curricula are designed to cultivate globally competent professionals capable of addressing the increasing burden of disease and the growing demand for allied health services, aligning with both national and international healthcare needs.
India Strengthens Fight Against Antimicrobial Resistance with National Surveillance Network and Awareness Campaigns
India has established a nationwide surveillance network, NARS-Net, comprising a network of laboratories, to monitor AMR patterns across the country. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched the “Red Line” awareness campaign, urging people to avoid using medicines marked with a red vertical line, including antibiotics, without a doctor’s prescription. Antibiotics are classified under Schedule H and H1 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, requiring specific labeling and prescription by registered medical practitioners.
Health Ministry Allows Pharmacy Council of India Access to Aadhaar-Based Attendance System
Pharmacy Council of India can access the attendance data of officials, faculty and students of the Pharmacy Council of India-approved pharmacy colleges online from the centralised Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System. Further, PCI must adhere to the provisions of the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, rules, regulations, or guidelines made thereunder and directions issued with respect to the use of Aadhaar authentication as laid down by the Unique Identification Authority of India or Central Government.
Health Minister Nadda Inaugurates International Symposium on Health Technology Assessment (ISHTA 2025)
The symposium, organized by the Department of Health Research (DHR) in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) India Country Office and the Centre for Global Development (CGD), focuses on “Bridging Evidence to Policy: Health Technology Assessment for Affordable Healthcare.”
India Cracks Down on Unapproved Drug Exports
Communications have been sent to all State Drugs Control Authorities and Zonal Offices to immediately withdraw Export No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and Manufacturing Licenses granted for any combination of Tapentadol and Carisoprodol. Similar communications have been sent to Customs offices at notified ports to route all consignments of these products through CDSCO Port offices.
India Launches Nationwide Campaign for 100% NCD Screening of Adults
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has launched an “Intensified Special NCD Screening Campaign” to combat the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs). The initiative, running from February 20th to March 31st, 2025, aims to achieve 100% screening coverage for all individuals aged 30 and above for prevalent NCDs.
Government Intensifies Efforts to Curb Tobacco Use Among Youth
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is actively working to reduce tobacco use among young people through a combination of legislation, guidelines, awareness campaigns, and restrictions on the sale of tobacco products.
