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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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. India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) is in the process of initiating license withdrawal procedures for unapproved fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) of antibiotics. This action follows the failure of state drug licensing authorities to submit critical data. The move is aimed at curbing irrational antibiotic use and combating antimicrobial resistance.
Source: bit.ly/4j6zhxs

2. India’s government plans to mandate QR codes on vaccines, antimicrobials, narcotics, and cancer drugs to enhance traceability and combat counterfeiting. The move also includes adding excipient details on labels for certain medicines, aiming to improve drug authenticity, safety, and public health protection across the supply chain.
Source: bit.ly/4jflqFa

3. An Indian industry group has urged the government to scrap the mandatory testing of cough syrups at government-approved laboratories before export. The group argues that this costly process delays shipments and places a heavy burden on small manufacturers. The requirement was introduced following reports linking India-made syrups to fatalities in Gambia.
Source: bit.ly/437zHNO

4. The United States Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has issued a warning to an Indian drug manufacturer for significant violations of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (CGMP) at its production facility. The violations include unsanitary conditions, inadequate equipment cleaning, poor documentation, and unverified raw material, raising serious global concerns about product quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.
Source: bit.ly/4mjGJIg

5. The EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has concluded that butylparaben at 0.14% is unsafe for children aged 0.5–10 years when used in multiple cosmetic products. However, it is considered safe in single-use dermal and oral products, excluding body lotions.
Source: bit.ly/3H8EmYu

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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. India’s Supreme Court has ruled that volume-based discounts are lawful and do not constitute discriminatory pricing, for such discounts to be considered discriminatory they must be applied unequally to similarly situated buyers in comparable transactions.
Source: bit.ly/4mghWEN

2. India’s Supreme Court has issued a notice to the central government on a petition seeking to make it mandatory for hospitals and clinical establishments to display service rates and charge fees within limits set by the Centre, in consultation with state governments. The Court noted that the failure to enforce this requirement stems from the government’s failure to specify the service charge limits which potentially impacts citizens’ fundamental right to healthcare.
Source: bit.ly/4jXJ75U

3. The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has upheld a government advisory requiring retail and wholesale pharmacies to install CCTV cameras and adopt computerized billing systems. This measure aims to curb the sale of prohibited drugs and enhance transparency in pharmaceutical operations.
Source: bit.ly/4mgjrCV

4. In a proposed Free Trade Agreement with the UK, India has reportedly decided to reduce import duties on medical devices under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme starting only from the sixth year. This phased approach aligns consumer needs with the Make in India programme, aiming to protect domestic manufacturers while gradually opening market access for UK exporters.
Source: bit.ly/4mlyPy8

5. The U.S. government’s order to align domestic drug prices with global rates may impact Indian pharmaceutical firms, many of which rely heavily on U.S. revenues. Though primarily targeting Big Pharma, the move could subject Indian generic manufacturers to pricing pressure, potentially disrupting their business models and profitability.
Source: bit.ly/4dkH0Xt

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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. India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued notices to popular e-commerce platforms for selling walkie-talkies without mandatory disclosures such as operating frequencies, licensing requirements, or Equipment Type Approval. This violates the E-commerce Rules and misleads consumers into believing these wireless devices can be freely operated without regulatory clearance.
Source: bit.ly/42RYUx2

2. The Government of India has directed the Department of Pharmaceuticals, along with the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC), to identify essential drugs, enhance their availability, and implement price controls to ensure affordability aiming to mitigate combat-related health risks during the ongoing conflict.
Source: bit.ly/4jQwcm9

3. Music companies are taking legal action against influencers for using copyrighted songs commercially in paid social media posts without proper permission or licenses. According to a popular social media platform policy, licensed music is allowed only for personal, non-commercial use and not for branded content.
Source: bit.ly/3GOLxoK

4. US President is reportedly set to bring an executive order that seeks to cut prescription drug prices by using global benchmarks and bringing in “most favored nation” pricing into play. The U.S. will match the lowest price paid by any nation, potentially impacting Indian exporters’ profit margins.
Source: bit.ly/43kJiBk

5. India and the UK have finalized a free trade agreement, where India has agreed to reduce import duties on the British products, including Scotch whisky, gin, and cars. However, India is protecting its farmers and local producers by maintaining duties on sensitive agricultural items like dairy, apples, cheese, and oats.
Source: bit.ly/3GK4bOG

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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 National Medical Commission (NMC) has reportedly not initiated any action against 30 doctors involved in a pharma freebies case. An RTI response reveals that the Department of Pharmaceuticals has not directed action, despite earlier findings of violations by the pharmaceutical company sponsoring lavish trips.
Source: bit.ly/44xs6e4

2. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has announced changes to certain monograph titles and synonyms in the upcoming Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) 2026 which is effective from July 2026. Manufacturers have been advised to assess the impact on existing products and start taking necessary steps to update the label.
Source: bit.ly/4dtuq8p

3. India’s Ministry of Health has reportedly raised concerns that only a small fraction of small and medium-sized pharmaceutical companies have applied to the government for an extension of the timeline to comply with the Revised Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) under Schedule M and to submit their facility upgradation plans. With the 12th May 2025 deadline approaching, state health secretaries have been asked to coordinate with local manufacturers and ensure timely compliance.
Source: bit.ly/4ka44u3

4. The Government of Odisha has reportedly announced plans to draft a state-wide mental health policy, including early intervention frameworks and counselling centres, to address rising mental health issues particularly among vulnerable groups such as youth and the elderly
Source: bit.ly/44peMIy

5. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has officially recognized suicidal thoughts as a potential side effect of a medication commonly used to treat male pattern baldness. While the EMA maintains that the benefits of the drug continue to outweigh the risks, it has mandated that all 1 mg packages include a patient card highlighting these risks.
Source: bit.ly/3SgZLBr

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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. India’s Central Drug Regulator has issued guidance for obtaining NOCs to manufacture for export of approved/unapproved new drugs. It sets a 7-day timeline for NOC issuance, allows limited reuse of un-exported stock within specified residual shelf lives, and mandates quantity-specific NOCs for NDPS/banned drugs.
Source: bit.ly/4iQ5g4z

2. India’s Bombay High Court has issued notice to central drug regulator CDSCO’s response to a petition filed by a cancer research organization for rejection to initiate Phase I human trials of its homegrown cancer immunotherapy vaccine which has not been tested on animals.
Source: bit.ly/3ESEcUD

3. Patient groups, health organizations and patent experts in India have reportedly urged the Indian government to oppose TRIPS-plus provisions in Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with the US, UK, and EU, citing risks to affordable medicine access and self reliant domestic pharma industry.
Source: bit.ly/3EYEFEG

4. A Recent vaccine trial faced criticism after children were offered financial incentives to participate, raising ethical concerns. The promotional material, shared via messaging apps, was based on unapproved drafts. The UK’s Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) found that ethical standards were not upheld, and no internal investigation was conducted by the sponsor.
Source: bit.ly/4iTpxGq

5. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the Heads of Medicines Agencies (HMA) has reportedly launched a strategic AI roadmap to enhance regulatory efficiency, data analysis, and decision-making, aligning with the EU AI Act and fostering innovation in pharmaceutical regulation.
Source: bit.ly/454woJZ

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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 Allahabad High Court recently ruled that insurance payouts must follow succession laws. It clarified that a nominee is not the actual heir but only holds the money on behalf of the legal heirs. So, the nominee cannot keep the insurance amount for themselves if there are rightful successors.
Source: bit.ly/4jMr2Yu

2. The Indian government has issued a Quality Control Order (QCO) mandating that all aluminum and aluminum alloy foil used for pharmaceutical packaging, along with other specified aluminum and aluminum alloy products to bear the Standard Mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards. The order will take effect on 1st October 2025 and does not apply to products manufactured in India for export purposes.
Source:  bit.ly/3Sno9B4

3. India’s National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed separate retail prices for new drug formulations manufactured by a pharmaceutical company. The company requested the separate pricing by highlighting the unique features of packaging like self-collapsibility and self-seal ability, not having air-vent and no chance of contamination during manufacture/ infusion/ admixing levels.
Source: bit.ly/4k7f3nR

4. The Government of India is reportedly planning to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prevent hoarding and ensure uninterrupted access to essential commodities. This move comes in response to potential supply chain disruptions and as part of anti-profiteering measures following Operation Sindoor.
Source: bit.ly/3GKcXvV

5. The United States government has issued an executive order aimed at boosting domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. The order directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite the approval process for new domestic production facilities. Additionally, the government plans to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical imports to encourage domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
Source: bit.ly/3EVqyA8

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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. Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has proposed to mandate the immediate suspension of licenses for drugs classified as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) in the public interest. Such suspensions would remain in effect unless the concerned manufacturers submit a satisfactory Corrective and Preventive Action (CAPA) plan. The proposal also includes corresponding amendments to the Drugs Rules.
Source: bit.ly/3EFg5Zx

2. Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has proposed to classify all antimicrobials as “New Drugs” under the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019. This move aims to facilitate stricter regulatory oversight in light of growing concerns over antimicrobial resistance.
Source: bit.ly/3EFg5Zx

3. Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has proposed that manufacturers of medical devices with a valid manufacturing or loan license need not apply for a sterilization loan license. Instead, they can submit documentary evidence in support of proper sterilization when applying for a manufacturing license, provided the sterilization site’s license number is included on the device label.
Source: bit.ly/3EFg5Zx

4. Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has proposed amendments to the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, to include clear definitions for “registration certificate” and “registration certificate holder.”  This change aims to provide better regulatory clarity in the medical device industry.
Source: bit.ly/3EFg5Zx

5. The Indian Government is finalizing revised biosimilar guidelines to align with global standards. The updated ‘Guidelines on Similar Biologics’ focus on stricter quality standards, reducing animal testing, and promoting in-vitro studies, while adhering to the 3R principles (Replace, Reduce, Refine). The aim is to streamline approvals and ensure patient safety.
Source: bit.ly/3GFiunq

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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 Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed halting new registrations and the renewal of existing registrations for the manufacturing of certain high-risk foods, such as dairy products and infant nutrition. They have also proposed permitting only state or central licenses and implementing pre-license inspections for manufacturers in these categories. They have sought public feedback on these proposed changes by 30th May, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/3RRy4Po

2. The Bombay High Court directed the state government to consider a separate registration facility for patients who are not yet on dialysis but will soon need an organ transplant. This came after a CKD Stage-V patient was denied registration. The Court said such denial violates the right to life.
Source: bit.ly/3RM4xqh

3. India’s ministry of commerce and industry has prohibited the use of specified antibiotics, antivirals, and antimicrobial medicinal products in fish, shrimp, hatchery operations or any manufacturing, pre-processing and processing unit to prevent antimicrobial resistance and safeguard export quality.
Source: bit.ly/44ZamIz

4. India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has released the guidelines for the safe disposal of expired and unused medicines by hospitals and the general public. The initiative is aimed at addressing the growing concerns of antimicrobial resistance and minimizing environmental hazards. 
Source: bit.ly/4iOmj7d
Source: bit.ly/4d3ywnf

5. Under the Stockholm Convention, 40 nations worldwide have agreed to phase out the use of chlorpyrifos, a hazardous pesticide on food crops. However, India secured a five-year exemption for its use on 12 essential crops to manage certain pests and termites, as well as the lack of immediate alternatives.
Source: bit.ly/4iL0q8M

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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 Central Drugs Standard Control Organization has lifted the suspension on an eye drop for presbyopia and approved its phase IV clinical trial but by restricting false media publicity. The suspension was imposed for violating marketing norms by promoting the product as a replacement for reading glasses.
Source: bit.ly/4cXhGpW

2. Indian food regulator, FSSAI, has released a consultation paper proposing clear labelling norms for synthetic paneer, including terms like “non-dairy” or “contains no milk” on packaging and restaurant menus. Stakeholders are invited to submit their comments within 60 days.
Source: bit.ly/42w1ZBl

3. The Central Consumer Protection Authority has taken suo-moto action against five restaurants for violating guidelines and failing to refund mandatory service charges. Acting on consumer complaints, the authority issued notices, reinforcing that service charges must be voluntary and cannot be added to bills without consent.
Source: bit.ly/43coUTK

4. The Belgian Competition Authority has fined three pharmaceutical companies for entering into anti-competitive agreements with pharmacies to secure preferential shelf placement for their products. The authority found that such practices distorted fair competition and limited consumer choice in the over-the-counter (OTC) medicine market.
Source: bit.ly/4cTwLc6

5. India and the United States are set to begin in-person sectoral trade negotiations in late May, with a goal to finalize the first phase of a Bilateral Trade Agreement (BTA) by fall 2025. The talks will address key areas, including tariffs, services, and supply chains, with sectors such as pharmaceuticals and medical devices likely to be part of the broader discussions.
Source: bit.ly/42XoMXe

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

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 Delhi High Court declined to grant an interim injunction against four influencers who criticized a popular protein brand’s product in YouTube videos. The Court ruled that their comments, based on lab reports, constituted fair comment in public interest and not defamation.
Source: bit.ly/3GxgRIw

2. The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the limitation period for filing appeals under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, begins from the date the judgment is pronounced, not when the party receives the judgment copy. The Court held that delay in seeking a certified copy doesn’t justify condoning limitation period.
Source: bit.ly/432T5fc

3. An Indian District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ruled against an insurance company for unfair trade practices after it denied a valid accident claim. The complainant signed the discharge voucher but added the words “with protest” to express his disagreement, which led to its denial.
Source: bit.ly/4jtaZi1

4. India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has reportedly requested export data from Pharmexcil, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, amid ongoing trade restrictions with Pakistan. The move is aimed at assessing the flow of pharmaceutical products between the two countries.
Source: bit.ly/42Osz96

5. Swissmedic has invited feedback on the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Guideline M13B, which aims to harmonize bioequivalence study designs and data analysis methods for immediate-release solid oral dosage forms like tablets, capsules, and granules/powders for oral suspension. Stakeholders may submit feedback until July 9, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/44bvFq2