Pharmacies, drug distributors may need approval to advertise prescription

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The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now. Read Today's Paper Pharmacies, drug distributors may need approval to advertise prescription medicinesBy Teena Thacker, ET BureauLast Updated: Oct 09, 2026, 11:21:00 AM ISTSynopsis

The Union health ministry aims to restrict advertising of prescription drugs by retailers and distributors, requiring prior government approval. This measure is in response to concerns about unauthorized promotion and inappropriate self-medication. A new sub-rule is proposed to ensure compliance across the pharmaceutical supply chain. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on this draft notification within 30 days.

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Loading...×The Union health ministry has proposed restricting retailers, wholesalers and distributors from advertising prescription drugs without prior approval from the central government.

Under the existing regulatory framework, pharmaceutical manufacturers cannot advertise drugs covered under Schedules H, H1 and X without prior government approval. These schedules cover prescription medicines, including certain antibiotics and psychotropic drugs, which require medical supervision.

However, the rules do not explicitly extend this restriction to entities involved in the retail and wholesale sale and distribution of these medicines, the health ministry said in a statement.

The proposal has been notified through a government notification following recommendations of the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB).

The ministry has proposed inserting a new sub-rule (22) under Rule 65 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, to extend the restriction to holders of retail and wholesale drug licences and other entities involved in the sale and distribution of medicines.

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The move aims to curb unauthorised promotion of prescription drugs and reduce the risk of inappropriate self-medication, while strengthening oversight of drug advertising across the pharmaceutical supply chain.

The proposal follows deliberations at a DTAB meeting in February, which examined the need for provisions regulating advertisements by drug sale and distribution licence holderThe ministry has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders and members of the public within 30 days of the draft notification being made available. The submissions will be considered before the amendment is finalised.
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