Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. we hope you enjoy reading it.
1. The Chhattisgarh Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) and Economic Offences Wing (EOW) have filed a chargesheet against six individuals involved in a ₹550 crore medical procurement scam. The accused inflated prices for medical supplies and used to procure medical supplies without verifying the actual requirements of health centers, leading to significant financial losses to the state exchequer.
Source: bit.ly/4iHo5XR
2. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified the Drugs and Cosmetics (Compounding of Offences) Rules, 2025 under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. These rules allow for the compounding of offences related to minor violations of the Act, promoting ease of doing business and reducing the burden on the judicial system.
Source: bit.ly/3GqfiMB
3. CDSCO has exempted orphan medications from mandatory port testing. Instead, importers must submit a legal undertaking, committing to provide test results within 15 days. This decision addresses challenges such as small volumes, high costs, and the need for specialized testing equipment, which previously delayed the availability of these drugs to patients.
Source: bit.ly/3Gs6xS1
4. The Orissa High Court has held that doctors cannot be criminally liable for prescribing a particular drug unless it is hazardous, sub-standard, or restricted. The court also stated that the government cannot compel patients to use cheaper, less effective drugs, especially if they are paying for treatment themselves.
Source: bit.ly/3EDj18U
5. The Supreme Court of India will examine whether the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021’s exclusion of divorced and single men from availing surrogacy violates constitutional rights. A divorced man has challenged the law, arguing it discriminates based on gender and marital status, infringing upon fundamental rights.
Source: bit.ly/4jLJtMm