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 Organisation (CDSCO) has issued an advisory directing manufacturers and importers to submit Periodic Safety Update Reports (PSURs) from the actual marketing date of new drugs, not approval date. The regulator also mandated consolidated PSUR submissions covering all dosage forms and indications to prevent duplication and improve post-marketing safety monitoring. This is important because accurate PSUR timelines strengthen drug safety surveillance and help regulators detect adverse effects more effectively.
Source: shortlink.uk/1uTal

2. India’s central drug licensing authority has reportedly directed states to intensify action against the illegal sale and misuse of sexual enhancement drugs such as sildenafil, varde¬na¬fil and tadalafil, citing public safety and social concerns. The regulator has ordered raids against illegal clinics, pharmacies, and online platforms, alongside stricter monitoring, awareness measures, and legislative action to curb unauthorized sales without prescriptions.
Source: shortlink.uk/1uTas

3. The Delhi High Court granted interim relief in a trademark and copyright dispute concerning sexual wellness products marketed under the “Stand Up” branding. The Court found the competing packaging and labels deceptively similar and ordered removal of online listings, while restraining further use of the disputed branding pending adjudication.
Source: shortlink.uk/1uTax

4. The Delhi Commercial Court has granted a permanent injunction restraining the defendants from manufacturing, selling, or dealing in cosmetics under the deceptively similar “ROOP LADY” trademark and sindoor bottle design, holding that the defendants had no proprietary rights over the impugned mark/design and that their activities amounted to trademark infringement, design piracy, copyright infringement, and passing off. This is important as the ruling reinforces judicial protection of intellectual property rights in the cosmetics and personal care sector, particularly against counterfeit and deceptively similar products that may mislead consumers and dilute brand goodwill.
Source: shortlink.uk/1pxNP

5. Maharashtra’s State Blood Transfusion Council (SBTC) has reportedly launched stricter oversight of blood banks following reports of profiteering through the sale of excess plasma at inflated rates. The council has introduced a 50-point inspection checklist and warned against over-collection and unauthorized plasma transfers, aiming to strengthen ethical blood banking practices and patient safety.
Source: shortlink.uk/1uTaS

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 Government of India is considering capping billing margins charged by private hospitals on medical devices to curb overcharging and reduce treatment costs. This is important as excessive markups increase patient expenses and insurance premiums. If implemented, it will limit hospital margins, improving pricing transparency and affordability.
Source: shortlink.uk/1olUB

2. The Central Government has established the Online Gaming Authority of India (OGAI), with effect from May 1, 2026, under the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, to regulate the gaming sector. Operating under MeitY, this multi-sectoral authority will oversee licensing, mandate registration for esports, and enforce stringent compliance requirements, with a view to enhancing user safety and strengthening regulatory oversight of online gaming.
Source: shortlink.uk/1tDQe

3. Indias central drug ministry has proposed amendment to Drugs Rules 1945 by expanding the list of licences that may be exempted from requiring a Form 29 licence for manufacturing of drugs for test or analysis. The amendment proposes to include Forms 25A (loan licences), 25F (Schedule X drugs), 28A/28B (Schedule C, C(1), and X drugs), 28D/28DA (vaccines, sera, r-DNA drugs), and 28F (umbilical cord blood stem cells). Objections and suggestions from the industry will be considered for thirty days.
Source: shortlink.uk/1tDQk

4. The Delhi High Court has restrained the use of the trademark “MARQ,” finding it deceptively similar to “MARC” and likely to confuse consumers. This reinforces trademark protection by emphasizing that minor spelling differences, use of house marks, or later registrations do not override prior rights and established goodwill.
Source: shortlink.uk/1tDQs

5. Government of India plans a Health Claims Index to transparency and standardize pricing in India health insurance sector. Using anonymized data from the National Health Claims Exchange, it will benchmark claims timelines, approvals and costs, enabling underwriting, reducing inefficiencies, and supporting informed consumer decisions, subject to scale and execution.
Source: shortlink.uk/1olUW

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. Bombay High Court restrained use of the mark Esiraft, finding it deceptively similar to an existing registered trademark Raciraft and likely to cause consumer confusion. The ruling reinforces strict standards on phonetic and visual similarity, strengthening protection against trademark infringement and passing off in the pharmaceutical sector.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sTZo

2. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) has released draft guidance on using next-generation sequencing (NGS) to assess gene therapy safety, detecting off-target edits, evaluating insertional mutagenesis, assessing vector integration sites, and ensuring genomic integrity. This is important as it strengthens detection of unintended genetic changes. If finalized, developers must adopt validated NGS methods and enhanced data reporting in IND submissions.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sTZq

3. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has introduced flexibility in payment timing for visual inspection and laboratory testing charges under the FICS/SWIFT system, allowing importers to make payments after inspection instead of upfront. This is important as the move improves cash-flow management, reduces clearance delays, and enhances ease of doing business. Importers should now align internal payment and clearance workflows to leverage the revised process and avoid procedural bottlenecks.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sTZu

4. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning to a major medical supply manufacturer over defective angiographic syringes used in heart procedures following multiple complaints related to device disconnections and potential patient and clinician safety risks. The company recalled the syringes in March 2026 but the FDA warned that failure to address the violations could result ‌in seizure of products, court action or financial penalties.
Source: shortlink.uk/1nEv0

5. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has asked a weight-loss drug giant manufacturing giant to submit additional safety data for its newly approved oral weight-loss pill, including post-marketing studies on liver injury, cardiovascular risks, delayed gastric emptying, and drug presence in breast milk. This highlights tightening of post-market surveillance scrutiny, and evolving safety requirements for next-generation weight-loss therapies.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sTZz

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 Delhi High Court ruled that India’s central food authority, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) cannot regulate animal or cattle feed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, holding that the law is limited to food meant for human consumption. The Court quashed FSSAI regulations restricting use of meat and bone meal in feed for milk- and meat-producing animals, citing lack of statutory authority.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sjFt

2. Telangana Health Minister has reportedly declared cancer a notifiable disease and launched a cancer registry to improve surveillance and care. With thousands of new cases, the initiative aims to strengthen data driven planning, expand treatment infrastructure, and introduce artificial intelligence based screening across government hospitals.
Source: shortlink.uk/1n5jM

3. The Drugs Technical Advisory Board has decided not to pursue the proposal to mandate pharmaceutical companies to allocate at least 1 percent of net profits towards free medicines under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The decision follows clarification that CSR obligations fall under the Companies Act, 2013 and not under Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules made thereunder.
Source: shortlink.uk/1n5jP

4. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) of India, has permitted export of an additional 5 lakh metric tonnes of wheat flour and related products under HS Code 1101, while maintaining the “prohibited” export status. This quota comes over and above the 5 LMT allowed in January 2026, with detailed export modalities to be notified separately.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sjGG

5. The Court granted an ex parte ad interim injunction restraining the use of the mark “HIMALAYA THE NUTRA HEALTH CARE”, holding it to be deceptively similar to the plaintiff’s registered trademarks and trade dress. The Court noted the plaintiff’s long-standing presence, and global operations, and found that the impugned mark was likely to cause consumer confusion, constituting prima facie infringement
Source: shortlink.uk/1sjFF

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 granted interim relief to Pharmaceutical company by restraining other pharmaceutical company from using “ALKAKIND” or similar marks. The Court held that the “KIND” suffix has acquired distinctiveness through extensive use, creating a strong likelihood of consumer confusion and reinforcing trademark protection for established pharma brands.
Source: shortlink.uk/1n47Q

2. The Government of India has issued the Safety of Household, Commercial and Similar Electrical Appliances (Quality Control) Order, 2026, making BIS certification mandatory for 90 categories of electrical appliances. It will come into force on 1 October 2026, with phased timelines for MSMEs. Non-compliance will attract penalties under the BIS Act, 2016.
Source: shortlink.uk/1n48h

3. Indian pharma manufacturers have reportedly urged the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority of India to approve up to a 50% price increase for platinum-based chemotherapy drugs such as carboplatin, cisplatin, and oxaliplatin, after platinum prices nearly doubled from ₹3,869 to ₹8,000 per gram in six months, making production financially unviable and risking supply disruptions.
Source: shortlink.uk/1n48q

4. The Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has proposed extending PSUR timelines under the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019 for modified or sustained release drugs, novel drug delivery systems, and advanced biologics across their lifecycle, with annual and triennial reporting beyond four years. Currently, PSURs are submitted semi-annually for two years and annually thereafter.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sisG

5. India’s affordable generic medicines under the Jan Aushadhi scheme may see price increases as shipping disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict have raised raw material costs and constrained supply. The supply crunch is affecting local manufacturing, with smaller pharma units facing margin pressure, potentially impacting availability of low-cost medicines across Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Source: shortlink.uk/1n48A

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 government has warned pharmacies, clinics, and online platforms of licence cancellation, fines, and legal action for unauthorised sale of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Regulators flagged misuse amid rising availability of generic semaglutide, reiterating that prescriptions are restricted to endocrinologists, internal medicine specialists, and cardiologists only, with nationwide inspections already underway.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYE-

2. The Delhi High Court granted a 30 day stock clearance window to the pharmaceutical manufacturer for its diabetes drug under the existing brand, following its agreement to adopt a new name. Thereafter, unsold inventory will be supplied free to government hospitals under supervision, with immediate cessation of all commercial use.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYF1

3. A Hyderabad-based paediatrician has criticised a company for introducing similar-looking packaging following the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India crackdown on misleading ORS branding. The doctor alleged that despite rebranding, the product retains strong recall value, potentially misleading consumers and raising ongoing public health concerns over confusion between therapeutic ORS and commercial electrolyte drinks.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYF3

4. The US FDA clarified that compounded versions of GLP-1 weight-loss and diabetes drugs can only be produced during official shortages. With supply stabilising, compounders must stop manufacturing copycat versions once drugs are removed from the shortage list. The regulator warned of enforcement action against non-compliant pharmacies and telehealth providers.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sbL5

5. India’s Drugs Technical Advisory Board, has recommended amending the Drugs Rules, 1945 to introduce licensing provisions for drug marketers. The move aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and monitoring of entities that market drugs manufactured by other companies under their own label.
Source 1: shortlink.uk/1mYF8
Source 2: shortlink.uk/1mYFb

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 Government is preparing a policy response after seeking inputs from the pharmaceutical industry on the ongoing shortage and price surge of critical solvents and chemicals. Industry reported sharp increases in inputs like isopropyl alcohol and other petrochemical-based solvents, impacting production costs and supply continuity, prompting urgent intervention and long-term supply-chain stabilisation measures.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYxw

2. The Delhi High Court has reserved its verdict on an interim plea filed by Asian News International in a copyright infringement case against OpenAI. The case questions whether copyrighted news content can be used to train AI models like ChatGPT without permission, marking a first-of-its-kind legal challenge in India.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYy0

3. The Government is considering invoking the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 to regulate prices of bulk drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients amid supply disruptions linked to West Asia tensions. The Department of Pharmaceuticals is consulting industry stakeholders to curb hoarding, stabilize prices, and ensure uninterrupted medicine production.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYxH

4. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has released FAQs on the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026, clarifying key reforms including perpetual licence validity, revised turnover thresholds, expanded petty food business definition, and risk-based inspections to simplify compliance and strengthen food safety oversight.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sbDB

5. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has notified the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) First Amendment Regulations, 2026, introducing revised labelling exemptions, non-retail container requirements, and updated warning declarations. The amendments will come into force from 1 July 2027, giving industry transition time for compliance.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYxL

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 issued an advisory directing all milk producers (other than members of dairy cooperative societies) and milk vendors to obtain mandatory FSSAI registration or licensing before commencing or continuing operations. States and UTs have been instructed to conduct special registration drives and enforcement checks to ensure compliance and curb milk adulteration.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYp6

2. Supreme Court reportedly declines plea seeking mandatory Nucleic Acid Amplification Testing in blood banks, stating medical policy decisions must rest with domain experts and governments. The Court noted financial implications and advised the petitioner to approach authorities, while concerns over transfusion transmitted infections and patient safety were highlighted.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYnK

3. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has delegated key regulatory functions related to veterinary drugs to its zonal offices. Zonal offices will now process Test License (Form 11) applications for import and issue NOCs for Form 29 licenses for manufacturing veterinary drugs for testing or analysis, excluding biologicals.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sbtE

4. India’s Drugs Technical Advisory Board, in its 93rd meeting, recommended amending the Drugs Rules, 1945 to introduce licensing provisions for drug marketers. The move aims to strengthen regulatory oversight and monitoring of entities that market drugs manufactured by other companies under their own label.
Source 1: shortlink.uk/1mYo2
Source 2: shortlink.uk/1mYo4

5. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has reportedly encouraged plant-based food manufacturers to include QR codes on product labels to help consumers easily access ingredient lists and nutritional information. The regulator said the move currently voluntary can address label space limitations, improve transparency, and build consumer trust in the rapidly growing plant-based food sector.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mYof

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 government clarified no proposal exists for a uniform nationwide pricing framework for medical devices. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority continues to regulate ceiling prices for essential devices like stents and knee implants under Drugs Prices Control Order, 2013, while monitoring non scheduled products and taking action against overcharging to safeguard consumer interests.
Source: shortlink.uk/1s0VO

2. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare approved major reforms to strengthen food safety while improving ease of doing business. Measures include perpetual licences, higher turnover thresholds, deemed registration for street vendors, and risk based inspections, reducing compliance burden and enhancing regulatory efficiency
Source: shortlink.uk/1s0VY

3. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) of India has formed an expert committee to address invasive alien species threatening India’s biodiversity, ecosystems, agriculture, and health. It will create a national list, identify high-risk species, and recommend management strategies, research, and guidelines for prevention, control, and ecological restoration over a two-year period.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mOaJ

4. The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the government and CDSCO over alleged inaction on misuse of diabetes drug Ozempic for weight loss, citing non-compliance with earlier directives. The case raises concerns on regulatory oversight, off-label use controls, and potential compliance risks for pharma players amid rising scrutiny.
Source: shortlink.uk/1s0Wd

5. A Parliamentary panel has asked the Ministry of Defence to expedite pending payments to hospitals under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, warning that delays are forcing private providers to opt out. The move aims to restore service continuity and protect healthcare access for over one crore beneficiaries.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mOaW

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 government clarified no proposal exists for a uniform nationwide pricing framework for medical devices. National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority continues to regulate ceiling prices for essential devices like stents and knee implants under Drugs Prices Control Order, 2013, while monitoring non scheduled products and taking action against overcharging to safeguard consumer interests.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mogz

2. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare approved major reforms to strengthen food safety while improving ease of doing business. Measures include perpetual licences, higher turnover thresholds, deemed registration for street vendors, and risk based inspections, reducing compliance burden and enhancing regulatory efficiency
Source: shortlink.uk/1rAbJ

3. The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) of India has formed an expert committee to address invasive alien species threatening India’s biodiversity, ecosystems, agriculture, and health. It will create a national list, identify high-risk species, and recommend management strategies, research, and guidelines for prevention, control, and ecological restoration over a two-year period.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mogO

4. The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the government and CDSCO over alleged inaction on misuse of diabetes drug Ozempic for weight loss, citing non-compliance with earlier directives. The case raises concerns on regulatory oversight, off-label use controls, and potential compliance risks for pharma players amid rising scrutiny.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mogP

5. A Parliamentary panel has asked the Ministry of Defence to expedite pending payments to hospitals under the Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme, warning that delays are forcing private providers to opt out. The move aims to restore service continuity and protect healthcare access for over one crore beneficiaries.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mogU