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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 (CDSCO) has advised stakeholders to submit clinical trial protocols simultaneously to CDSCO and Ethics Committees under Chapter III of the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules, 2019. This is important as it aims to reduce approval timelines and improve regulatory efficiency, enabling faster initiation of clinical trials and quicker patient access to innovative therapies.
Source: shortlink.uk/1pAw-

2. The Parliamentary Panel on Health and Family Welfare has reportedly urged the Ministry of AYUSH to strengthen international cooperation by prioritising partner countries for joint research, clinical studies, academic exchanges and capacity building in traditional medicine. The panel also recommended improving the Ayush Global Portal for better accessibility and global engagement. it could improve scientific validation, expand international acceptance of Ayurveda and yoga, and enhance India’s global influence in healthcare.
Source: shortlink.uk/1pAx1

3. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has reportedly issued a show-cause notice to a clean label food brand over claims that its chocolates contain “no added sugar” despite using dates and date powder as sweeteners. The action follows complaints by a rival brand and raises questions over compliance with FSSAI’s rules over claiming “non-addition of sugars”. The dispute could influence how food companies market sugar-free or no-added-sugar products in India’s growing chocolate sector.
Source: shortlink.uk/1uVZF

4. Private hospital associations have raised concerns over CGHS reimbursement caps, warning that limiting payouts to 70% of MRP for high-cost immunotherapy drugs may hinder access to advanced cancer care. This is important as this could increase patient costs, restrict use of costly treatments, and strain hospitals’ ability to provide life-saving oncology therapies.
Source: shortlink.uk/1pAx9

5. A lawsuit filed in California has raised concerns around AI-generated health and substance-use advice after allegations that chatbot interactions contributed to a teenager’s fatal overdose. The suit reportedly alleges that unsafe guidance on drug combinations was provided without adequate safeguards or warnings. The matter reflects growing regulatory oversight for AI tools used in healthcare, mental health, and wellness contexts.
Source: shortlink.uk/1pAxb

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 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

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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 pharmaceutical industry has strengthened its position as the “Pharmacy of the World”, exporting affordable medicines and vaccines to more than 200 countries. The sector now earns over half its revenue from exports, supplies vaccine demand, and is expected to reach 130 billion dollars value by 2030.
Source: shortlink.uk/1uSYh

2. The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi has introduced India’s first portable bedside MRI system for critically ill patients in ICUs and emergency settings. This is significant as it enables rapid brain imaging without shifting unstable patients, improving timely diagnosis, monitoring, and critical care outcomes.
Source: shortlink.uk/1uSYo

3. India’s Directorate General of Health Services has introduced its first comprehensive framework for Intensive Care Units (ICUs), laying down standardized norms. ICUs have been categorised into 3 levels, with each level prescribed minimum bed strength, infrastructure and equipment requirements, staffing ratios, and specialist qualifications.
Source: shortlink.uk/1pxBR

4. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) seized misbranded “alkaline water” products for alleged use of non-permitted ingredients and labelling violations, signalling increased scrutiny of functional and packaged drinking water products in the west region. The action highlights growing regulatory focus on misleading health claims, ingredient disclosures, and compliance with Indian food safety and labelling laws.
Source: shortlink.uk/1uSYx

5. The Union Health Ministry has launched JANANI (Journey of Antenatal, Natal and Neonatal Integrated Care), a QR-enabled digital platform aimed at strengthening maternal and child healthcare through longitudinal digital health records. The platform will track antenatal care, delivery, postnatal care, newborn care, and family planning services. The initiative is significant as it seeks to improve continuity of care, enable real-time monitoring of high-risk pregnancies, and strengthen technology-enabled public healthcare delivery across India.
Source: shortlink.uk/1uSYA

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 pharmaceutical company has paused its obesity awareness campaign in India following an advisory from CDSCO against surrogate promotions that may indirectly lead consumers to a medicine, which is prohibited across media platforms. This is important as Indian regulators are increasingly monitoring disease-awareness and indirect promotional campaigns to ensure adherence to drug advertising, particularly in rapidly growing therapy areas such as obesity management. Going forward, pharmaceutical and healthcare companies may face tighter scrutiny over patient awareness initiatives, digital outreach, and indirect marketing strategies, requiring stronger alignment with India’s evolving compliance and promotional framework.
Source: shortlink.uk/1uSTv

2. Manufacturers of platinum-based cancer medicines have reportedly urged the NPPA to revise the ceiling prices of regulated chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin, carboplatin, and oxaliplatin after platinum API costs surged by nearly 200%–300%, making production commercially unviable. The industry warned that unchanged price caps could disrupt supplies of essential cancer medicines and adversely impact patient access to critical treatments.
Source: shortlink.uk/1pxx5

3. Pharmaceutical exporters continue to face delays in obtaining World Health Organization Good Manufacturing Practices Certificates (WHO-GMP) of Pharmaceutical Products through the Online National Drug Licensing System portal. Industry bodies warned that technical glitches and processing delays are disrupting exports and international regulatory commitments.
Source: shortlink.uk/1uSTF

4. The Uttarakhand High Court granted bail to a snake venom collector accused of illegally possessing venomous snakes and extracted venom. The court noted his licence had expired and renewal was pending, suggesting procedural lapses rather than deliberate wildlife trafficking. The case highlights regulatory and compliance sensitivities surrounding wildlife-derived substances used in research and pharmaceutical applications.
Source: shortlink.uk/1uSTJ

5. Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA), participating in INTERPOL’s Operation Pangea XVIII, removed 959 illegal online health product listings and seized 6,641 units of unregistered medicines and medical devices at borders. Operation Pangea XVIII is a coordinated enforcement drive across 90 countries targeting illegal and counterfeit health products. The crackdown targeted products including contact lenses, ivermectin, dermal fillers, and prescription medicines. HSA also warned 152 sellers and cautioned consumers against purchasing illegal or self-administered health products online due to serious safety risks.
Source: shortlink.uk/1uSTM

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. Indonesia’s health ministry has directed food companies to introduce coloured labels indicating nutritional content, within two years. Red and green labels will indicate high and low sugar, salt, and fat content respectively. Companies must revise packaging and validate nutritional content to meet the new labelling requirements, but detailed sanctions for non-compliance have not been informed yet.
Source: shortlink.uk/1nEyC

2. Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration has reportedly directed all ayurvedic medicine manufacturers to register on the ayudmla.gujarat.gov.in portal and upload complete legacy records, mandating digital compliance for licensing processes across the state. It strengthens regulatory oversight and promotes digital compliance in the ayurvedic sector.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sU3e

3. The Bangalore District Chemists and Druggists Association and other retail pharmacy groups have urged regulators to mandate licensing requirements for e-pharmacies displaying medicines online, similar to physical stores under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. This is important as it highlights growing concerns around patient safety, regulatory gaps, and unfair competition. If implemented, e-pharmacy platforms may face stricter compliance, licensing requirements, and potential changes to their marketplace and digital medicine distribution models.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sU3h

4. A leading weight loss drug manufacturer has partnered with OpenAI to deploy artificial intelligence across drug discovery, manufacturing, and operations, while training its workforce globally. The initiative will help to enhance productivity, strengthen competitive positioning in the obesity therapeutics market, and improve overall efficiency without immediate workforce reductions.
Source: shortlink.uk/1nEyI

5. The Bangalore District Chemists and Druggists Association and other retail pharmacy groups have urged regulators to extend licensing norms for medicine display to e-pharmacies, seeking clarity on “offer for sale” under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. This is important to curb unlicensed digital sales and ensure parity, potentially bringing online platforms under stricter licensing and compliance requirements.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sU3l

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 Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) has released the draft National Formulary of India (NFI) 2026, inviting stakeholder comments within 45 days of upload of the respective chapters and appendices, ahead of its proposed finalisation. The draft aims to promote rational use of medicines through evidence based prescribing guidance, standardised drug information, and measures to reduce medication errors and antimicrobial resistance.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sKC9

2. The Delhi High Court has directed the discontinuation of the “Olymviq” mark for semaglutide injections on account of its similarity with the “Ozempic” brand. A 30-day transition window has been granted to clear existing stock and shift to the alternative mark “Olymra.” The order reflects heightened judicial scrutiny of pharmaceutical trademarks, particularly in cases involving likelihood of confusion, prompting companies to reassess trademark strategies.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sKCd

3. The Drugs Consultative Committee in its sixty eighth meeting approved recommendations on scheduling of certain medicines, retaining dicyclomine in Schedule H and moving flupentixol, zopiclone, gabapentin and carisoprodol to Schedule H1. This is important as stricter controls will curb misuse and intoxication, improve monitoring and dispensing accountability.
Source: https://shortlink.uk/1sKCi

4. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) reportedly plans to tighten oversight of medicine packaging, emphasizing clear visibility of drug names, strength, and expiry dates. Through stricter inspections and regulatory directions, it aims to reduce medication errors and improve patient safety, prompting pharmaceutical companies to enhance labelling design, printing quality, and compliance standards.
Source: shortlink.uk/1nvq0

5. The Ministry of Environment has amended the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, removing the requirement to declare the percentage of recycled plastic on labels. Instead, packaging must comply with IS 14534:2023 and carry the prescribed marking, simplifying labelling obligations while ensuring adherence to recycling standards.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sKnX

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. Parliament passes Jan Vishwas Bill 2026, bringing major relief to India’s cosmetics sector. Minor violations in the case of cosmetics (other than spurious or adulterated) which were previously punishable with up to one year’s imprisonment will now be resolved outside courts through a civil penalty framework, with fines of Rs.1 lakh or three times the value of confiscated goods, whichever is higher.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sCvW

2. The Central Government has amended Para 2.62 of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023 to streamline the issuance and verification of Certificates of Origin (CoO). The amendment clarifies that only Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)-authorised agencies can issue CoOs, and mandates exporters to use identical invoice numbers in both CoOs and corresponding shipping bills to enable automated verification.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sCw6

3. India’s leading manufacturer of Paracetamol tablets and active pharmaceutical ingredients plans to digitise manufacturing records, enhance quality oversight, and increase real-time monitoring after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration cited record-keeping gaps, cleaning lapses, and contamination control failures at its largest Telangana facility. While production continues, the warning may delay approvals for new products targeting the U.S. market.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sCwc

4. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) recently issued a warning to Texas medical spa after finding it used more Botox than it had officially bought. Inspectors also discovered an unlabeled vial and poor record-keeping. Authorities said the spa may have sourced products from unauthorized suppliers, raising concerns about safety and possible risks to patients receiving treatments.
Source: shortlink.uk/1nnzV

5. The Government is reportedly considering mandating that vaccines and biological products undergo batch testing exclusively at authorised government institutions such as the National Institute of Biologicals, potentially excluding private labs. The move aims to strengthen quality oversight, standardise testing, and enhance regulatory control over biologics manufacturing and release.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sCwi

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. Regulatory reforms under the Biological Diversity Amendment Act, 2023 are driving increased intellectual property filings linked to India’s biological resources. Streamlined procedures and mandatory prior registration with the National Biodiversity Authority have enhanced compliance, improved processing efficiency, and strengthened alignment between innovation, conservation priorities, and equitable benefit sharing frameworks
Source: shortlink.uk/1nbX2

2. The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has ruled that merely holding the position of Director or Managing Director does not automatically attract liability under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. Liability arises only if specific allegations prove the individual was responsible for the company’s conduct or involved in the offence.
Source: shortlink.uk/1sqvC

3. The Drugs Consultative Committee(DCC) has approved a proposal to develop a real-time digital portal for tracking manufacture, import, export, sale, and stock of pharmaceutical products regulated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act. The portal is aimed at strengthening surveillance, with potential integration involving CDSCO, State Authorities, and the Central Bureau of Narcotics.
Source: shortlink.uk/1nbXc

4. The Department of Pharmaceuticals has liberalised the RPTUAS guidelines to allow shortlisted applicants to claim the first instalment of subsidy upon submission of either a Revised Schedule M or WHO-GMP certificate. The remaining certificate may be furnished at the time of claiming the second instalment, thereby providing greater flexibility in meeting compliance requirements.
Source: shortlink.uk/1nb-y

5. India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade expanded the mandatory Halal certification requirement under the India Conformity Assessment Scheme (I CAS) Halal to 20 additional countries, including Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, and Maldives. Exporters must obtain certification from NABCB-accredited bodies, with compliance effective within two weeks (six months for Egypt).
Source: shortlink.uk/1sqvW

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 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

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 Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has extended the deadline for registered Producers, Importers and Brand Owners (PIBOs) to file Annual Returns for FY 2024–25 under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 until March 31, 2026. Non-compliance may attract environmental compensation.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rAfG

2. The Central Pollution Control Board has issued show cause notices to PIBOs for failing to meet EPR obligations and not submitting Annual Returns for FY 2022–23 under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. Defaulters will face environmental compensation and tighter enforcement from authorities
Source: shortlink.uk/1rAg8
Source: shortlink.uk/1rAga

3. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued show cause notices to producers, importers, and brand owners (PIBOs) for failing to meet Extended Producer Responsibility obligations, fulfil targets, and file annual returns under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016 for FY 2022–23. Non-compliant entities may have to pay environmental compensation, face penalties, and higher future targets. Entities must respond latest by 26.03.2026or face further regulatory and legal action.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mol6

4. The Karnataka government has released a draft policy promoting responsible digital use among students, focusing on curbing screen addiction, cyber risks, and mental health impacts. The move aligns with its broader push to restrict social media access for minors and regulate device usage.
Source: shortlink.uk/1mol8

5. Parliamentary panel has reportedly urged the Department of Pharmaceuticals to address administrative delays affecting the Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma MedTech Sector scheme after significant underutilisation of funds. Despite increased allocations, spending remained low. Revised guidelines and stronger monitoring are expected to improve execution and outcomes.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rAgj