The Hindu Business Line : Move to curb advertising of prescription drugs

IN order to curb prescription drugs from being advertised, the Health Ministry is planning to amend the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

Speaking at a seminar on `Responsible Self Medication' organised by the OPPI, Dr Ashwini Kumar, Drug Controller General of India (DCGI), said that the amendment would clearly state that Schedule H drugs (prescription) cannot be advertised. This issue came under focus after the Delhi-based Wings Pharmaceuticals advertised Diclown Plus on television. The key ingredient of the medicine, Diclofenac Sodium, falls under the Schedule H of Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the corresponding Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, 1945, mandates that the drug is "to be sold by retail on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner only."

Dr Kumar added that the Ministry has circulated a draft notification to enhance the list of drugs under Schedule H. "There have been several new molecules that have been approved by the Government but have not been notified under the Schedule. We hope to issue the final notification after getting comments from the industry," he said.

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