Government makes doctor’s prescription mandatory to buy all medicinal syrups, including for cough

The government issued a notification on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, mandating that all syrups, including those used to treat coughs, will now require a doctor’s prescription before purchase. This means that over-the-counter sales of these syrups will no longer be allowed.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, notified the amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, which prescribes the rules and regulations related to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The last notification was to remove the word ‘syrup’ from the list of substances exempt from the provisions of the Law. The rules had previously stated that ‘Syrups, lozenges, cough pills and tablets’ would be exempt.

Lozenges, pills and cough tablets will still be available over the counter after the change on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.

The change follows a draft notification issued in December 2025, in which the government sought objections and suggestions from stakeholders and the public.

According to the notification, the government said all comments received on the draft rules were taken into account before the final notification was issued.