The Central Government has made it mandatory to obtain a doctor’s prescription before purchasing any medicinal syrup, including cough syrups. As a result, these products can no longer be sold over the counter without a valid prescription.
The decision was announced through a notification issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on June 16, 2026. The notification introduces amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, which govern the implementation of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
With this change, pharmacies will be required to dispense all medicinal syrups only upon presentation of a prescription from a registered medical practitioner. The move is aimed at strengthening regulation of medicine sales and ensuring their appropriate use.
