Govt plans to modify law, allow commonly-used medicines to be sold over counter

The over-the-counter sale means that a medicine can be bought from the retail market (pharmacies) without a doctor’s prescription

New Delhi: The government plans to allow 16 commonly-used medicines such as paracetamol to be sold over the counter by modifying the law, according to a draft notification published in the Gazette of India.

The medicines include paracetamol. (Bloomberg)

The over-the-counter sale means that a medicine can be bought from the retail market (pharmacies) without a doctor’s prescription. In a country where several drugs, including antibiotics, are sold over the counter, this is probably the first time the government is taking measures to enlist drugs that can be sold without prescription.

The other medicines expected to be sold without prescription include certain decongestants, commonly used laxatives as well as certain mouthwashes, anti-acne creams, and topical painkillers in the cream form.

The Union health and family welfare ministry has proposed changes to the Drugs Regulation Act, 1945, for the purpose, with certain conditions including that treatment with the medicine in question should not continue for over five days. In case the symptoms do not settle, a patient needs to consult a doctor.

The draft notification is currently in the public domain for general feedback.