The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has made a major change in the sale of syrup-based medicines across the country. Under a new notification that came into effect from Tuesday, 16th June, people can no longer buy any syrup formulation, including cough syrups, directly from pharmacies without a doctor’s prescription.
Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issues notification which brings into effect that all 'Syrups', including cough syrups will no longer be available over the counter. A prescription by a doctor will be required for the purchase of 'Syrups'. pic.twitter.com/SaszQvHH1C
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 16, 2026
According to the new rule, customers must now show a valid prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner before purchasing these medicines. This means syrup formulations will no longer be available over the counter.
Change made through amendment to drug rules
The decision follows the notification of the Drugs (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026, which was issued by the Department of Health and Family Welfare on 9thJune. The notification states that the amended rules came into force from the date they were published in the Official Gazette.
As part of the amendment, the Central Government has removed the word “Syrups” from Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945. Schedule K contains a list of drug categories that are exempt from certain conditions related to their sale and distribution under specific circumstances.
The amendment specifically changes serial number 13, item number (7) of Schedule K by deleting the term “Syrups” from the list.
Public feedback considered before decision
The government said the amendment was introduced after a draft version of the proposed rules was released in December 2025. Suggestions and objections received from the public during the consultation period were reviewed before the final notification was issued.
Consultation with advisory board
Officials said the rules were framed by the Central Government using powers provided under Sections 12 and 33 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The notification also noted that the decision was taken after consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board.
With this change, pharmacies across the country will now be required to sell all syrup-based medicines only against a valid prescription from a registered medical practitioner.
