The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s decision to amend the Drugs Rules, 1945, and withdraw the exemption allowing cough syrup sales in small villages without prescription has been welcomed by healthcare experts, who believe the move will strengthen medicine safety and protect children from inappropriate medication use.

Dr Meena J., Senior Consultant, Paediatrics & Neonatology, , said the amendment is a significant step towards ensuring that cough and cold syrups are used only after proper medical consultation.

“Many syrup medicines, especially cough and cold syrups, are often purchased without proper medical advice. Children are not small adults, and the wrong medicine or dose can sometimes do more harm than good,” Dr Meena said.

She highlighted that making cough syrups prescription-only will encourage parents to seek medical guidance before giving medicines to their children. “Although this may sometimes require an additional visit to a doctor, the long-term benefit is safer and more appropriate treatment,” she added.

Dr Meena said the strengthened regulation can help reduce misuse, prevent medication errors, and improve overall child health safety across the country.

The amendment is expected to enhance regulatory oversight of cough syrups and promote responsible medicine practices by ensuring that these medications are provided only when clinically required and under expert supervision.