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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 Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011 has been amended to introduce mandatory metrological and technical standards for continuous clinical electrical thermometers used in human and veterinary care. The rules prescribe accuracy thresholds, testing protocols, labelling norms, environmental tolerance, and type-approval requirements impacting manufacturers, importers, and hospital-grade device suppliers.
Source: short-url.org/1k3IL

2. The Delhi High Court is examining a challenge to mandatory vegetarian/non-vegetarian dot labelling on toothpaste and toiletry products. Noting conflicting regulatory positions, the Court has directed Legal Metrology authorities and the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to hold a joint meeting to determine whether such labelling should remain compulsory or voluntary. The matter is listed for further hearing on April 27.
Source: short-url.org/1p8RE

3. The Union Health Ministry will unveil SAHI (Strategy for AI in Healthcare for India) and BODH (Benchmarking Open Data Platform for Health AI) at the India AI Summit 2026, under the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, the initiatives institutionalise AI governance, validation and privacy-preserving benchmarking nationwide.
Source: short-url.org/1k3Iu

4. India’s Delhi High Court has reportedly urged authorities to ensure real-time hospital bed and emergency service data through the NextGen e-Hospital digital platform. It ordered full implementation across government hospitals, including linkage to a mobile app for public access, and called for technical support and broader adoption to improve emergency care and patient treatment.
Source: short-url.org/1p8Ry

5. The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has reportedly warned Prime Minister Narendra Modi that AI-generated fake medical prescriptions are enabling illegal online drug sales by unregulated e-pharmacies. The group wants government to action to withdraw certain regulations, close illegal platforms, and ban AI-generated prescriptions to protect public health.
Source: short-url.org/1p8Rs

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 Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has directed all State and UT Drug Controllers to regularly sample kumkum and colour powders at religious sites for testing for synthetic ingredients due to public health concerns. Kumkum is regulated as a cosmetic in Indian law and must meet BIS standards covering heavy metal limits, microbial safety, prescribed testing methods, and mandatory packaging and labelling requirements.
Source: h7.cl/1nnwz

2. India’s Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare has released the draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 to replace the Insecticides Act, 1968. The farmer-centric bill proposes stronger regulation of spurious pesticides, higher penalties, digital processes, mandatory lab accreditation, and promotion of biopesticides and indigenous manufacturing. Stakeholders can submit comments in the prescribed format by 4 February 2026.
Source: h7.cl/1inPA

3. The Tea Board of India has issued revised guidelines for registration of manufacturers of flavoured tea, reaffirming that every factory manufacturing flavoured tea must be registered as a bonafide manufacturer with the Tea Board. This makes the registration process for flavoured tea manufacturers clearer and more structured.
Source: h7.cl/1nnx8

4. The European Parliament has approved measures to strengthen EU supply of essential medicines by reducing dependence on non-EU countries. The proposals support domestic manufacturing through strategic projects, priority funding, EU-favoured procurement, joint purchasing, and coordinated stockpiles to prevent shortages of critical medicines such as antibiotics, insulin and vaccines.
Source: h7.cl/1nnwI

5. India’s Central Drug regulator has given approval to manufacture and sell a generic version of Ozempic (semaglutide) for diabetes, ahead of its patent expiry in March 2026. The company plans to launch 12 million injectable pens in the first year and partner locally for distribution. The company is also awaiting similar approval for the obesity drug Wegovy.
Source: h7.cl/1nnwM

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 Health Ministry has approved adding the HPV vaccine to the Universal Immunisation Programme, targeting girls aged 9–14. This aligns with the June 2022 NTAGI recommendation and is supported by ongoing frontline healthcare worker training and rollout planning.
Source: shorturl.at/3e0T0

2. Meghalaya announced plans to introduce legislation requiring mandatory HIV/AIDS testing prior to marriage. The government is drafting a cabinet note and engaging district stakeholders to advance a mission mode HIV control policy.
Source: tinyurl.com/yfhymxdx

3. The India-UK Free Trade Agreement, signed on July 24, 2025, excludes patent term extensions and data exclusivity, safeguarding India’s generic drug industry. However, experts warn it restricts compulsory licensing by promoting voluntary licences and “adequate remuneration” clauses, and that this could undermine India’s ability to supply affordable medicines to developing countries.
Source: tinyurl.com/3wm9wwz9

4. The All-India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), representing over 12 lakh chemists nationwide has reportedly urged the Drug Controller General of India to take urgent action, alleging that State Licensing Authorities are failing to stop illegal e pharmacies misusing draft notifications leading to unregulated online medicine sales and posing risks to public health.
Source: tinyurl.com/39b9a44n

5. Nathealth urged Niti Aayog to simplify healthcare regulations through a digital single-window system, highlighting burdensome compliance from 10–12 ministries. A white paper identified 85 regulatory challenges, calling for harmonisation across states to boost efficiency, innovation, and patient-focused care in hospitals, diagnostics, and medtech.
Source: tinyurl.com/5582rp5n

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. Indian Government has notified Extended Producer Responsibility Rules for non-ferrous metal waste, effective April 2026. Applicable to pharma, food, and consumer goods sectors, these rules mandate registration, traceability, annual returns, and recycling targets to boost circular economy efforts and environmental compliance.
Source: bit.ly/4loNjMw

2. The Customs, Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT), New Delhi, recently ruled that HIV viral load (HIV VL) test kits constitute “life saving diagnostic kits,” making them eligible for customs duty exemption. This landmark decision is poised to reduce import costs, boost accessibility, and support public health initiatives within India.
Source: bit.ly/3GmAVxA

3. The panel set by the Drugs Controller General of India has reportedly recommended a complete ban on cosmetics containing more than 1 part per million (ppm) of mercury, aligning with the Minamata Convention. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation will enforce self declarations and random lab testing to protect public health.
Source: bit.ly/401j99Q

4. The Delhi High court has directed the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to review the approval and sale of weight loss drugs like Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, and Liraglutide. Responding to a PIL citing safety concerns and lack of India specific trials the court ordered expert consultations and a detailed report within three months.
Source: bit.ly/3IaT69X

5. The Madras High Court of India has held that the Customs Department is legally bound by the Director General of Foreign Trade’s classification of capital goods under the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) Scheme. This ruling provides clarity for exporters and importers by ensuring uniform interpretation of capital goods classification under the Foreign Trade Policy.
Source: bit.ly/4ldsFyZ

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 Indian Pharmaceutical Association has reportedly urged the Drug Controller General of India to clarify the notification restricting anti-cold drug combinations for children under four. Guidance on handling of existing stocks and if pharmacies can dispense these drugs without the warning on label.
Source: bit.ly/3Gmnq0o

2. Several electronics companies have approached the Delhi High Court challenging the decision of Government to fix a floor price payable to E-waste recyclers. They argue that the mandatory payments are excessively high and will significantly increase business costs. Companies contend that the Government should let market forces determine the prices.
Source: bit.ly/3GlYTZt

3. Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration is seeking public feedback on a proposal to expand access of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) to terminally ill patients for existential distress, currently it is approved for treatment-resistant depression.
Source: bit.ly/42mBmA7

4. India’s drug technical advisory board is reviewing a proposal to waive the loan license requirement for medical device sterilization. If approved, manufacturers with valid licenses (Form MD-3/4 or MD-9/10) could use licensed sterilization facilities (Form MD-3 or MD-9) without separate approval.
Source: bit.ly/4cHcirb

5. The Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change has proposed draft rules under the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023, setting greenhouse gas emission intensity targets for industries. Public feedback is invited within 60 days. Suggestions can be sent to the Ministry via email.
Source: bit.ly/42IUtU3

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 Indian Council of Medical Research-led national health consortium raises concern over rising adolescent obesity and recommends stricter advertising rules on high-fat, -salt, and -sugar (HFSS) foods. It also proposes a 32% health tax on sugar-sweetened beverages and 20-30% tax on other HFSS foods to curb obesity.
Source: bit.ly/42dvtUq

2. The Organization of Pharmaceutical Producers of India has raised concerns with the health ministry as foreign drugmakers face delays in launching essential drugs. Despite a provision for waivers on clinical trials for drugs approved in select countries, the Drug Controller General of India has not approved any.
Source: bit.ly/3RtXxhr

3. India’s National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), operating under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), is reportedly preparing to launch a new digital portal designed to provide real-time tracking of rabies vaccine and anti-snake venom stocks. which are not easily accessible owing to manufacturing shortage. The portal will initially be rolled out as a pilot project in five states: Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Puducherry.
Source: bit.ly/3R186bH

4. The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SDRC) of Chandigarh, India has set aside an order against a plastic surgeon for medical negligence allegation for unsatisfactory results under a liposuction procedure. SDRC ruled that unsuccessful treatment does not amount to negligence unless there is clear proof of deviation from clinical standards.
Source: bit.ly/4hTidKv

5. Reimbursements to private hospitals under the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS) reportedly increased significantly from 24% in 2019-20 to 60% in 2023-24, driven by a rise in beneficiaries. This surge has raised concerns about fraudulent billing, overcharging, and inadequate oversight of spending.
Source: bit.ly/4jdwjYn

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. A medical device company has received compensation calculated at 25% of sales generated by a counterfeiting entity. The Court opined that 25% was a conservative profit margin for awarding damages. The Court has additionally awarded exemplary damages to punish the counterfeiting entity.
Source: bit.ly/4kHWYhn

2. The Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) has reportedly questioned the authenticity of an US study linking India-made generic medicines to higher rates of serious adverse events (SAEs) calling the claims unfounded. IPA highlighted that Indian manufacturing facilities undergo stringent inspections by regulators like the FDA, and lower costs are due to production efficiencies, not compromised quality.
Source: bit.ly/4kEqkx8

3. The Indian government is reportedly considering exemption of health and life insurance premiums from the current 18% GST. The GST Council has sought input from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), with the industry advocating for a reduction to 12% instead of a complete exemption or lower rate (5%), to be able to claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on taxes paid for business operations.
Source: bit.ly/3Fu3dFx

4. India’s Health Ministry has reportedly directed the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) to focusing on eliminating poor-quality medicines, supporting small pharma manufacturers (MSMEs), and refining medical device regulations. The move is aimed at enhancing global trust in Indian medical products and exports.
Source: bit.ly/3DHeK3J

5. The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has invited comments on proposed changes to export policy for Special Chemicals, Organisms, Materials, Equipment and Technologies (SCOMET), which seek to fast-track grant of approval. SCOMET goods typically face strict export controls.
Source: bit.ly/3Fr2Uva

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 Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has directed the cosmetics industry to follow regulatory protocols and warned them against making “unusual and misleading claims” about the product that may overlap with the pharmaceutical sector. During a meeting with the cosmetics industry, the industry stakeholders sought relaxation of strict regulations for imported cosmetics, citing frequent custom rejections and significant financial losses.
Source: bit.ly/4eBnhBK

2. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has announced the implementation of the Pharmacovigilance Guidance Document for Marketing Authorization Holders (MAHs). Version 2.0, will be effective from 1st February 2025. The document aims to strengthen the pharmacovigilance systems of MAHs in India.
Source: bit.ly/4hRV1xH

3. The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) has directed all registered pharmacists to verify their profiles on DIGI-PHARMed portal with their Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) numbers within 45 days. This verification aims to integrate pharmacists with the Healthcare Professional Registry (HPR).
Source: bit.ly/4fOxgVk

4. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to an Indian pharmaceutical company for manipulating product data, reports, and relevant details, as well as violating Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) regulations for finished pharmaceuticals.
Source: bit.ly/491sW2M
Source: bit.ly/4i249j5

5. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to a Chinese drugmaker for restricting investigators’ access to its facility and records, as well as limiting photography during a recent inspection. The manufacturer received a warning letter outlining significant violations of Current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) guidelines for finished pharmaceuticals.
Source: bit.ly/491sW2M
Source: bit.ly/4i249j5

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 State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) has directed a consultant surgeon at a hospital in Erode to pay ₹5 lakh as compensation to the family of a patient who died during treatment for colon cancer. The Commission concluded that while there was no medical negligence during the surgery, the surgeon failed to secure proper cardiac evaluation prior to the procedure, which was deemed a significant oversight.
Source: bit.ly/3UHgY8t

2. The All India Organization of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD) has raised concerns over a potential partnership between a popular fast delivery company and an online pharmacy aimed at delivering medicines within 10 minutes. AIOCD warns that this ultra-fast delivery model may bypass essential safety regulations, compromising patient safety and increasing the risk of antimicrobial resistance due to unregulated medicine distribution.
Source: bit.ly/4hzeSBr

3. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) has mandated that no cosmetics can be imported unless their ‘use-by’ date is at least six months from the import date. The regulator also prohibited the import of cosmetics containing hexachlorophene and those tested on animals post-November 2014.
Source: bit.ly/4hElgr2

4. The Supreme Court has directed the National Medical Commission (NMC) to establish new guidelines for admitting persons with disabilities into medical courses, emphasizing the need for inclusivity in the healthcare sector. This decision follows a case involving a candidate with muscular dystrophy who was initially disqualified from pursuing an MBBS due to stringent disability criteria.
Source: bit.ly/3YAwWCG

5. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued guidelines to be used by State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and Pollution Control Committees (PCCs), to assess and determine the processing capacities of E-Waste recycling facilities.
Source: bit.ly/3YBbcGK

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 Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has approved a proposal to amend the New Drugs and Clinical Trials (ND&CT) Rules, 2019 to eliminate the two-step certificate issuance process for biomedical and health research ethics committee registration. Now, a system for reviewing and examining all ethics committee documents has been put in place at Department of Health Research (DHR). This process allows for the removal of redundant work and resource use, and only final certificates can be directly issued to ethics committees.
Source: bit.ly/3A8haGQ

2. To improve India’s whole digital healthcare infrastructure, a new certification program for hospital information systems (HIS) and electronic medical records (EMR) has been introduced by the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals and Healthcare Providers (NABH). The program offers Basic and Advanced maturity levels that are valid for two years. The NABH portal will open for registration on December 1, 2024.
Source: bit.ly/3UjzcN7

3. The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) plans to amend the Medical Devices Rules, 2017, to include quality control provisions for non-sterile, non-invasive Class A medical devices like thermometers and stethoscopes. Currently exempt from licensing, these devices will now require manufacturers to comply with a quality management system.
Source: bit.ly/3NApDpw

4. The Madras High Court has ruled that Siddha practitioners are permitted to practice modern medicine but are prohibited from storing allopathic drugs without a valid license under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Source: bit.ly/4hs9VKT

5. The World Health Organization (WHO) has prepared a draft guideline for food packaging to include health impact labels on the front, emphasizing the need for clearer consumer information regarding potential health risks associated with food contact materials. The draft received public comments till October 11, 2024 and will release the final guidelines in 2025.
Source: bit.ly/3BQlKKm