Posted on

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 Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has prohibited the sale, distribution and use of three skin-lightening creams after detecting dangerously high levels of mercury and lead, along with labelling violations. The action underscores stricter enforcement of safety and labelling requirements under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
Source: short-url.cc/1tgYn

2. India’s Rajasthan government has reportedly introduced a three-tier drug quality testing mechanism for medicines procured under the state’s public healthcare system due to concerns about drug quality. The enhanced measures require quality verification at multiple stages, enhanced oversight by healthcare institutions, and stricter monitoring of medicines and surgical consumables. The state has also expanded its investigation into the concerned drug manufacturer while strengthening procurement and quality assurance processes.
Source: short-url.cc/1tgWb

3. India’s Central Drug Authority, CDSCO has reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (NADFC). The partnership aims to improve cooperation in regulating pharmaceuticals and medical products. The agreement allows for sharing regulatory information, technical skills, and best practices. The agreement seeks to benefit manufacturers by creating a predictable regulatory environment and enhancing international trade.
Source: short-url.cc/1yNWW

4. India’s Telangana government is set to enforce stricter regulations for private In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) centres to improve transparency, curb unethical practices and strengthen oversight of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) services. The proposed measures include frequent inspections and monitoring of licensing, medicines, record maintenance, and stricter compliance with the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021.
Source: short-url.cc/1tgWl

5. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has opposed the Maharashtra Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Bill, expressing adverse effects on the functioning of private medical establishments by imposing excessive regulations and limiting autonomy. The association has urged the state government to reconsider the draft legislation and has warned of a statewide strike and boycott of government healthcare schemes if its concerns are not addressed.
Source: short-url.cc/1tgWq

Posted on

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 Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration has reportedly issued a public warning against the use of three cosmetic products after laboratory testing detected excessive levels of mercury and lead, rendering them non-compliant with prescribed safety standards. The regulator has advised consumers to avoid using the affected products and has initiated appropriate regulatory action to prevent their sale and distribution. The move underscores the FDA’s continued efforts to safeguard public health by enforcing quality and safety standards for cosmetics.
Source: short-url.cc/1yGXL

2. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has reportedly issued notices to energy drink brands for their misleading claims of “energy drink on product branding and labelling”. The FSSAI further states that the Food Category System under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations is not intended for product naming or labelling purposes.
Source: short-url.cc/1taa0

3. The Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) has urged the ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW) to remove AYUSH and Homeopathy provisions from the National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2026. The association contended that the proposed bill should remain confined to the regulation of modern pharmacy education and practice, stating that the inclusion of traditional systems of medicine could dilute the existing regulatory framework for pharmaceutical sciences.
Source: short-url.cc/1yGXT

4. The Maharashtra Government has introduced the Maharashtra Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2026, to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for clinical establishments. Replacing the Bombay Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1949, the Bill mandates registration, prescribes minimum standards, strengthens patient rights, promotes fee transparency and establishes oversight and enforcement mechanisms.
Source: short-url.cc/1taab

5. The Jharkhand High Court has held that bhang does not fall within the definition of “cannabis (hemp)” under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The Court observed that the statutory definition covers charas, ganja, and specified cannabis preparations, but does not include bhang prepared from cannabis leaves. Accordingly, the Court ruled that the possession or sale of bhang, by itself, does not attract the penal provisions of the NDPS Act, reaffirming the distinction drawn under the statutory framework.
Source: short-url.cc/1taah

Posted on

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 Government has mandated the renewal every five years mandatory for registration certificates and license held by fertility clinics and semen banks and every three years for surrogacy clinics through the National Registry Portal. This renewal shall attract non-refundable fees which may be doubled in case of failure to comply. This Notification aims to streamline regular inspections and adherence to prescribed standards. Government run institutes are exempted under Notification.
Source: short-url.cc/1sSzt

2. The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has released the operational guidelines for national ambulance services (NAS), 2026 to strengthen emergency medical response and standardise ambulance services across the country. The guidelines prescribe consistent standards for ambulance infrastructure, staffing, equipment, response times, digital integration, and quality assurance. The initiative aims to improve timely access to emergency care and, ensure consistent delivery of pre-hospital emergency medical services nationwide.
Source: short-url.cc/1sSzU

3. The Supreme Court has held that deficiencies or inaccuracies in mandatory Form F records under the PCPNDT Act are not mere technical lapses but significant statutory violations. Upholding criminal proceedings against a medical practitioner, the Court reaffirmed the importance of strict record-keeping to prevent sex-selection practices and ensure effective enforcement of the law.
Source: short-url.cc/1ynLe

4. India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have suspended operations at two blood centres in Mumbai and Thane after inspections revealed serious regulatory violations including compromise of the quality and safety of blood collection, storage, and distribution as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and, the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
Source: short-url.cc/1ynLY

5. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty on a food manufacturer for making misleading “100% Atta Bread” and “100% Whole Wheat” claims. The Authority held that the product’s labelling and advertisements were likely to mislead consumers regarding its composition as the product contained only about 87% whole wheat flour, and such claim would give an impression to that the product is wholly composed of wheat flour, thus amounting to a misleading advertisement. The action highlights the CCPA’s continued enforcement against deceptive food labelling and misleading marketing practices to safeguard consumer interests.
Source: short-url.cc/1sSAc

Posted on

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 District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-II, Chandigarh passed an Order in favour of the consumer for automatically levying a service charge and without obtaining the consent of the consumer; further, the opposite party refused to remove the said charge upon objection. The opposite party did not appear in the Consumer Court, hence, an ex-parte Order was passed. The opposite party was directed to refund ₹129 collected towards service charge and pay a lump-sum compensation of ₹5,000 towards harassment and litigation expenses within 45 days of receipt of the order.
Source: short-url.cc/1ymfE

2. India’s finance ministry has extended the customs duty exemption on imports of specified petrochemical products used in pharmaceutical manufacturing such as chemicals, plastics, textiles, packaging, and automotive manufacturing in view of the continuing global supply disruptions. The extension is intended to ensure the uninterrupted availability of essential raw materials, support domestic pharmaceutical production, and help mitigate input cost pressures.
Source: short-url.cc/1ymfK

3. India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a ₹1 lakh penalty on a major beverages manufacturer for making a misleading “100% tender coconut water” claim. The authority held that the product’s labelling and advertising had the potential to mislead consumers regarding its composition, constituting a misleading advertisement and unfair trade practices under the consumer protection Act, 2019. The authority directed the company to discontinue the impugned advertisements and imposed a monetary penalty.
Source: short-url.cc/1sR6o

4. The Indian Multi-Disciplinary Committee of experts advised the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority to fix ceiling prices for intravenous fluids with advanced safety packaging at fifteen percent above existing regulated prices. If accepted, the proposal would encourage adoption of safer packaging technologies while ensuring these essential medicines remain subject to price regulation.
Source: short-url.cc/1sR6v

5. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a notice directing registered battery waste recyclers to upload GST e-invoices for the sale of recovered key battery metals and metal compounds on the Battery Waste EPR Portal for EPR Certificate generation. EPR Certificates generated on the basis of non-GST e-invoices after 30 June 2026 will not be considered valid and may constitute non-compliance under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022.
Source: short-url.cc/1ymg3

Posted on

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. Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe issued an Order on June 12, 2026 barring hospitals, doctors, and affiliated pharmacies from compelling patients to buy medicines exclusively from in-house pharmacies. Prescriptions must be handed directly to patients which gives the patients an option to pick pharmacy of their choice. This restriction put by hospitals on the choice of the patient to purchase medicines from their choice of a pharmacy amounts to unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Further, hospitals must now display notices stating patients of their right to purchase medicines from any licensed pharmacy of their choice in English and Marathi.
Source: shortlink.uk/1xhAz

2. The Jharkhand High Court has directed a complete ban on the conduct of the “two-finger test” in all hospitals, medical colleges, and healthcare institutions across the State. Reiterating established legal and medical principles, the Court observed that the practice is unscientific, violates the dignity, privacy, and bodily autonomy of survivors of sexual assault, and has no evidentiary value in determining consent or sexual history. The Court directed the concerned authorities to ensure strict compliance with existing guidelines and legal standards governing the medical examination of sexual assault survivors, while emphasizing the need for survivor-centric and trauma-informed medical care. The ruling reinforces the prohibition on the use of the test and underscores the obligation of healthcare institutions to adhere to prescribed medico-legal protocols.
Source: shortlink.uk/1xgoW

3. The Telangana Drugs Control Administration has reportedly intensified enforcement against illegal medicine distribution by raiding an unauthorized supplier of cardiac stimulant injections and an unlicensed medical shop. Authorities warned against unauthorized sales and supply of prescription medicines.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rOoZ

4. The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that strict compliance with the PCPNDT Act, 1994 is essential to prevent sex-selective practices and female foeticide. The Court held that deficiencies in mandatory records, including Form F, are not mere technical errors but substantive violations. Emphasising the Act’s objective, it observed that accurate documentation is a crucial safeguard for effective monitoring, enforcement, and prevention of unlawful sex determination practices.
Source: shortlink.uk/1xgqd

5.India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified an amendment to Drugs Rules, 1945 dated June 9, 2026. The amendment removes the term “Syrups” from Item (7) under Serial No. 13 of Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945. This means that now syrups will be sold under a sales license only. Schedule K specifies certain classes of drugs and categories of persons or institutions that are exempt from specific provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules made thereunder, subject to prescribed conditions. The amendment came into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rOqd

Posted on

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 Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has increased the ceiling prices of Anti-Tetanus Immunoglobulin 250 International Units and 500 International Units injections by 50 percent exercising its extraordinary powers. The revision follows concerns over rising production costs and aims to ensure continued availability of these essential life-saving medicines.
Source: short-url.cc/1ymqX

2. India’s central food authority, FSSAI, has reportedly issued show-cause notices to eight food companies in India. One such notice was issued for deceptive branding. This Notice was issued because a brand used the claim “plant-based vegan” on the packaging which was not approved under FSSAI license obtained. Such claims have higher chances of misleading the consumers by using marketing tactics to create false impressions of the brand.
Source: short-url.cc/1ymr2

3. India’s central food authority, FSSAI, has reportedly advised Food Business Operators (FBOs) to immediately discontinue the use of metallic pins, staples, and wires in food packaging materials, citing potential risks of physical contamination and consumer injury. The regulator has urged businesses to review their packaging processes and adopt safer alternatives such as food-grade adhesives, tapes, or other secure packaging methods that do not compromise food safety. The advisory forms part of FSSAI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food safety practices and reduce the risk of foreign matter contamination across the food supply chain.
Source: short-url.cc/1sRhw

4. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) mandates that all manufacturers and importers of hair colour cosmetics strictly adhere to the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, and applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). To safeguard public health, stakeholders must ensure absolute compliance with statutory labelling requirements, ingredient restrictions, and mandatory caution statements. Furthermore, any alterations to a product’s composition, quality specifications, or label must be formally reported to the appropriate Central or State Licensing Authority.
Source: short-url.cc/1sRhD

5. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has revised upward the ceiling prices of BCG, Measles Rubella and Measles vaccines pursuant to a review order. The change reflects the Department of Pharmaceuticals’ view that the 17.1% monopoly reduction should not apply to vaccines, supporting continued vaccine availability.
Source: short-url.cc/1ymqX

Posted on

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 Directorate General of Foreign Trade(DGFT), issued a Public Notice dated 1 June 2026 and has notified six new Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) under the Chemical and Allied Product Group for specified pharmaceutical products. The notification enables Regional Authorities to grant Advance Authorisations without case-specific referrals to the Norms Committee, thereby reducing processing timelines, ensuring uniformity in approvals, and promoting ease of doing business for pharmaceutical exporters.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q-yS

2. The Delhi High Court directed CDSCO to review safety concerns over semaglutide injections within two months. A patient petition claims that manual calculation of dosage deviates from global pre-filled pen standards, risking overdose, underdose, and misuse. CDSCO must determine if approval aligns with patient safety and international practices.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q-xi

3. The Indian government is reportedly drafting new organ transplant rules to introduce Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) and strengthen frameworks for organ swaps and brain-stem death donations. The proposed reforms aim to expand the donor pool, standardise transplant procedures, and improve access to life-saving organ transplants.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q-z5

4. The Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has held that obtaining a patient’s signature on a pre-printed consent form without adequately disclosing the nature of the procedure, associated risks, possible complications, and available alternatives does not constitute valid informed consent. The Commission observed that a mere signature on a standardised form cannot satisfy a doctor’s duty of disclosure and ruled that failure to obtain proper informed consent amounts to a deficiency in service. While the Commission found no evidence of medical negligence in the performance of the surgery or post-operative care, it held the medical practitioner liable for not securing valid informed consent and awarded compensation.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q-za

5. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has directed pharmaceutical manufacturers to establish and maintain pharmacovigilance systems in line with revised Schedule M requirements. Companies must maintain dedicated adverse reaction monitoring mechanisms, appoint qualified pharmacovigilance officers and keep detailed records, with compliance subject to regulatory inspections.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q-xq

Posted on

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 held that access to trauma care is a fundamental right under Article 21, directing all States and UTs to unify emergency helplines under 112, establish trauma registries, operationalise cashless treatment for road accident victims, and enforce ambulance tracking standards within set timelines. The ruling significantly expands constitutional obligations on healthcare infrastructure, emergency services, insurers, and public health governance across India. It also needs to have physical and digital grievance redressal systems for good samaritans. This classification is not restricted to national highways but extends to state highways and district roads too.
Source: shortlink.uk/1qB9n

2. The government has reportedly referred 27 doctors to the National Medical Commission (NMC) for disciplinary action in connection with a pharmaceutical freebies case involving sponsored foreign trips under the guise of rendering of knowledge dissemination service. The matter relates to alleged acceptance of luxury travel and hospitality benefits linked to pharmaceutical promotional activities, with State Medical Councils now expected to examine the cases pursuant to violation of MCI Code of Ethics. The development intensifies scrutiny around pharma-doctor engagement practices, and enforcement of professional conduct regulations within the healthcare sector.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vZFF

3. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) initiated regulatory action against unauthorized online sale of hazardous chemicals like ammonium nitrate, PETN, gun powder, and picric acid. Notices were issued to e-commerce platforms, seller details shared with PESO, and platforms began delisting products to ensure consumer safety and compliance
Source: shortlink.uk/1vZFK

4. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are increasingly focusing on contamination control infrastructure, particularly Air Handling Unit (AHU) filter maintenance systems, to support compliance with revised Schedule M requirements. Industry experts note that heightened regulatory expectations around hygiene, traceability, cross-contamination prevention, and cleanroom maintenance are driving interest in automated AHU filter cleaning and maintenance technologies.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vZFU

5. Government of India is reportedly planning to launch a dedicated childhood cancer registry which aims to systematically collect data on cancer cases in children in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). India records around seventy-five thousand new cancer cases annually, many detected late. The government plans awareness, data collection, and collaborations to improve early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Source: shortlink.uk/1qB8R

Posted on

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. Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a public notice under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Cosmetics Rules, 2020, prohibiting use of cosmetics as injectable preparations by consumers, professionals, or aesthetic clinics. The notice flags four key violations: use of GNRAS or prohibited ingredients per BIS standards, misleading or false labelling claims, tampering with manufacturer inscriptions, and use of cosmetics for treatment purposes beyond their statutory scope of cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vo9D

2. The Karnataka High Court has stayed criminal proceedings in a case involving the alleged sale of pirated books on an e-commerce marketplace, with the platform arguing that it functions solely as an intermediary and does not directly control third-party seller listings. The development brings renewed focus to intermediary liability and the extent of safe harbour protections available to e-commerce platforms under Indian laws.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vo9I

3. The High Court of Himachal Pradesh has quashed criminal proceedings against a pharma unit initiated by a Central drug inspector, holding that prosecution for manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs lies with State authorities and not the Central Government. The ruling clarifies the limits of enforcement powers of central drug regulator and may affect similar cases initiated by CDSCO against pharmaceutical manufacturers.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q0Oz

4. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has reportedly initiated a review of concerns raised by retail chemists over the functioning of electronic pharmacies. Following assurances from the regulator, several state pharmacy associations have declined to participate in the proposed nationwide strike to avoid disruption in the supply of essential medicines and protect patient interests.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vo9S

5. A US federal jury found a major pharmaceutical company liable for delaying a generic version of a blockbuster constipation drug through an anticompetitive “pay-for-delay” arrangement. The verdict awarded nearly USD 885 million in damages and heightened scrutiny of delayed generic entry practices. The ruling may increase antitrust, litigation, and compliance risks for pharmaceutical companies globally.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q0OM

Posted on

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 Bombay High Court granted an ad-interim injunction in favour of major drug manufacturer in a trademark dispute involving the marks “ASCORIL” and “ASCOTRAL.” The Court found the marks are visually and phonetically similar and likely to confuse consumers. The confusion in medicinal products could have serious health consequences. The Court restrained the defendant from using the mark.
Source: shortlink.uk/1pUOw

2. The Delhi High Court granted summary judgment in a trademark infringement suit involving protein supplement products, holding that the impugned marks ‘PROTEX’ and ‘PROTRILEX’ were deceptively similar to a long-standing registered mark. Observing structural, visual, and phonetic similarity, the Court permanently restrained use of the impugned marks and reiterated strong judicial protection for established healthcare and nutrition brands.
Source: shortlink.uk/1pUOD

3. Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission has reportedly signed memoranda of understanding with the Bihar, Maharashtra and Mizoram State Pharmacy Councils to strengthen pharmacovigilance, promote rational use of medicines, and enhance patient safety initiatives across states. The initiative focuses on wider adoption of the National Formulary of India (NFI), strengthening adverse drug reaction (ADR) reporting under the Pharmacovigilance Programme of India (PvPI), establishing ADR Monitoring Centres, and conducting pharmacist training and awareness programmes.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vgVQ

4. Delhi High Court, while deciding a trademark infringement case involving CALPOL and WALPOL, declared CALPOL, a well-known trademark in relation to medicinal and pharmaceutical product under the Trade Marks Act, 1999 citing its decades-long use, strong consumer recognition, and extensive nationwide sales. The Court held that WALPOL was deceptively similar and capable of misleading consumers in the pharmaceutical market.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vgVT

5. Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has seized a large consignment of Captagon tablets and powder, a banned psychotropic stimulant, under Operation RAGEPILL and arrested a foreign national allegedly linked to an international drug trafficking syndicate. The operation marks India’s first Captagon seizure and underscores intensified enforcement against transnational synthetic drug trafficking networks.
Source: shortlink.uk/1pUOR