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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. we hope you enjoy reading it.

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

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

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

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

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

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. we hope you enjoy reading it.

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

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

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

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

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

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES

Dear Readers, we are happy to share the most interesting legal and policy updates concerning health industry that we read today. we hope you enjoy reading it.

1. India’s Health Ministry plans to discontinue the doorstep delivery of certain medicines that were permitted during the COVID-19 pandemic to prevent misuse by online platforms currently offering doorstep medicine delivery services. The earlier provision allowed licensed retailers of Drugs to deliver medicines on the doorstep based on original prescriptions during the pandemic.
Source: bit.ly/4izvgkG

2. India’s Health Ministry is considering a proposal to include the name of the person responsible (authorised person) for batch release in all drug manufacturing licenses. This aims to enhance accountability, as batch release ensures the safety and quality of medicines.
Source: bit.ly/4izvgkG

3. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has recently raided a facility supplying sanitary pads without the mandatory ISI mark and seized around 30,000 pads in Hyderabad. As per the Quality Control Order, BIS certification for sanitary pads is compulsory, and violations are strictly punishable.
Source: bit.ly/3S2bIdM

4. The Indian Council of Medical Research has recommended banning the drug ‘Nimesulide’ for individuals under 18 and above 60, and in all formulations above 100 mg due to risks of liver damage and gastrointestinal issues. ICMR also advises a black box warning on labels and cautions against use in women trying to conceive.
Source: bit.ly/42pwQ3Q
Source: bit.ly/4izvgkG

5. Indian government has defined ‘proof of origin’ for trade to enhance ease of doing business and prevent misuse of trade pacts. Importers must submit a certificate of origin to claim duty concessions under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). The move aims to simplify procedures and ensure transparency.
Source: bit.ly/42rED11

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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 Madras High Court has imposed a ban on the manufacture, sale, transport, and use of 28 types of single-use plastic items across the areas like the Nilgiris, Kodaikanal, and the Agathiyar Biosphere. Banned items include plastic bottles, food wrapping films, thermocol plates and cups, plastic-coated tableware, straws, carry bags, etc.
Source: bit.ly/3RmpHuX

2. Indian food regulator FSSAI, in response to an RTI, has stated that it lacks authority to regulate baby milk products under the Infant Milk Substitutes, Feeding Bottles, and Infant Foods (Regulation of Production, Supply and Distribution) Act, which regulates baby food marketing, placing enforcement responsibility on the Women and Child Development Ministry.
Source: bit.ly/4lDCPts

3. India’s Health Ministry has released a notification restricting the manufacture and sale of a popular anti cold drug until there is a warning on labels stating they should not be used in children below four years. The notification will take effect from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Source: bit.ly/3Y54v08

4. Private hospitals in Nagaland have reportedly suspended admitting patients under Ayushman Bharat, Pradhan Mantri Jan Aarogya Yojana and Chief Minister Health Insurance Scheme from April 17, 2025, due to unpaid dues. The Nagaland Private Doctors Association urged authorities to resolve the issue so services can resume without further delay.
Source: bit.ly/4cAsslY

5. The UK Government has enacted significant reforms to clinical trials regulation. Effective from April 11, 2025, with full implementation by April 2026, the new rules aim to streamline trial approvals, enhance patient safety, enable innovation, and help more people benefit from participating in vital research.
Source: bit.ly/4jDT5ZC

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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 Supreme Court of India has given Central government three months to enforce new food labelling rules which require Front-of-Pack-Warning Labels (FoPWL) for Packaged foods containing high level of sugar, salt, and saturated fat content, along with their recommended daily intake (RDA), in bold and prominent font on the front of packaging.
Source: bit.ly/3Eigy3s

2. Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration has reportedly found fake QR codes on a top pharma brand’s medicine. Over 900 strips were seized in this counterfeit drug racket. A full-scale investigation, raids, forensic checks, and officer training are underway to trace sources and stop illegal supply chains.
Source: bit.ly/4lsuJna

3. A survey across 303 Indian districts reportedly reveals that most side effects among medicines are caused by antibiotics. One in two people reported side effects from allopathy or AYUSH medicines. Experts warn that misuse of antibiotics without prescriptions is rising antimicrobial resistance, posing serious public health concerns
Source: bit.ly/3YsVr5f

4. India’s Gujarat Food and Drug Control Administration (FDCA) has launched India’s first mobile app for licensing allopathic, cosmetic, and Ayurvedic products, issuing over 900 licenses online. The FDCA-mDMLA mobile app boosts efficiency, transparency, and ease of doing business allowing real-time access and digital services.
Source: bit.ly/4i9yvz6

5. China has reportedly approved an amendment to General Requirements for Labels and Instructions of Disinfection Products, which mandates clearer warnings, font size requirements, and restrictions on misleading branding to enhance safety, transparency, and compliance in the disinfection product industry. The amendment is effective from May 1, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/3Ehsx1f

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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 CDSCO has upgraded its online system to automatically generate the Market Standing Certificate (MSC), Non-Conviction Certificate (NCC) and Neutral Code for medical devices. Consequently, manufacturers and importers must reapply for these certificates, as all previously issued ones will become non-functional from April 9, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/4j7NJWL
Source: bit.ly/4j7NMBV 

2. India’s Supreme Court has introduced new guidelines for interpreting deeds and contracts. The guidelines emphasize using the literal rule, where words are given their plain meaning unless absurdity arises. If necessary, the golden rule may be applied and a shift to purposive interpretation based on the document’s context and objectives, ensuring clarity in legal agreements.
Source: bit.ly/3Rc0TWh

3. The Bombay High Court issued an ex-parte ad-interim order against unidentified individuals selling counterfeit and illegally imported oral care products, restraining them from manufacturing, packaging, or distributing lookalike goods infringing trademark and copyright. A Court Receiver was appointed to oversee the identification and inventory of the infringing goods.
Source: bit.ly/3G5i9u0

4. The Supreme Court of India will hear petitions challenging the ₹50 lakh cap on government aid for rare disease treatments, including Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), following a High Court order. The SMA drug is cheaper in China and Pakistan due to negotiations with the manufacturer. The SC suggested the Centre explore similar negotiations and consider flexibility in approving aid beyond the ₹50 lakh cap on a case-by-case basis.
Source: bit.ly/4lqJ2ss

5. The Government of Kerala has reportedly introduced digital payment systems in government hospitals to streamline service fee transactions, allowing patients to pay using UPI, debit, or credit cards. In addition, they have also introduced an online outpatient (OP) ticket, M-health app, and scan and book system.
Source: bit.ly/4crteSd

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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. Indian Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has introduced the Environment (Construction and Demolition) Waste Management Rules, 2025, effective from April 1, 2026. These Rules apply to construction, demolition, remodeling, renovation, and repair activities, with key provisions on Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and waste management plans.
Source: bit.ly/42AOQIu

2. India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) has issued a Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline the transfer of drugs manufactured in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) to domestic markets (Domestic Tariff Area) for sale and distribution. SEZ units are exempted from mandatory import and registration requirements, provided these drugs are not diverted for domestic sale and are used exclusively for export purposes.
Source: bit.ly/44ftUYL

3. Pune Municipal Corporation has issued notices to private hospitals instructing to not demand any advance deposit from patients seeking emergency medical care and to strictly follow the Bombay Nursing Home Registration Act, 1949, which forbids demanding any advance deposit from “emergency” patients.
Source: bit.ly/4j52xp2

4. A content creator agreed to remove part of a podcast after a company objected to a guest’s remarks about an antiseptic product. The guest’s claims were considered disparaging. The court-approved settlement also required related social media posts to be deleted to protect the product’s reputation.
Source: bit.ly/42sBOeV

5. A global agricultural company is helping Indian rice farmers adopt eco-friendly farming methods. These practices reduce harmful greenhouse gases. In return, the company will issue its first carbon credits, certified by Gold Standard, which environmentally conscious companies can purchase to offset their emissions.
Source: bit.ly/4iavSgm

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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 Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has proposed to expand eligibility for fast-track mergers, covering more unlisted companies and subsidiaries of companies that are not wholly owned and foreign companies merging into Indian subsidiaries. Stakeholder comments are invited until May 5, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/42sNtuj

2. AI technology scanned prescriptions from MBBS doctors and found that the same expensive medicines for serious diseases were being given to all patients, exposing a scam in Rajasthan’s free treatment scheme through fake and unnecessary prescriptions. Investigations are now underway against the accused.
Source: bit.ly/4jnNiY0
Source: bit.ly/3YkV8ta

3. The Indian government is reportedly planning to revise norms on the use of high Global Warming Potential (GWP) gases, such as hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), as refrigerants in refrigeration and air conditioning. This move aims to align with global environmental standards. The updated rules will require manufacturers to adopt alternative refrigerants and comply with new packaging and safety standards.
Source: bit.ly/4jmWrjo

4. The Madhya Pradesh Health Department has reportedly launched an investigation into unregistered physiotherapy clinics after concerns over registration violations were raised in the State Assembly. Despite 9,000 physiotherapists operating in the state, only 40 clinics are officially registered on the health portal.
Source: bit.ly/4coiMel

5. The government reportedly plans to bring online real-money gaming companies under anti-money laundering laws, requiring KYC, record-keeping, and reporting of suspicious transactions. This aims to curb unaccounted money but enforcing it on offshore platforms remains a major challenge.
Source: bit.ly/4iae19v

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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. CDSCO has proposed a draft list to revise the existing classification list of cardiovascular and neurological devices, categorizing 351 cardiovascular and 202 neurological devices under a risk-based classification. Stakeholders can review and submit feedback within 30 days via a Google Form before finalization.
Source: bit.ly/3QYf29q

2. The central government has no plans to set up a special tribunal for medical negligence cases. Instead, such cases are handled by State Medical Councils, which can take disciplinary action against doctors. Appeals can be made to the National Medical Commission (NMC).
Source: bit.ly/42jt9LX

3. The 2025 National Trade Estimate Report states that unclear licensing guidelines and import procedures under India’s Medical Device Rules have delayed U.S. exports of refurbished medical devices. Since April 2024, CDSCO has suspended approvals for existing and new import licenses, effectively blocking refurbished medical device imports.
Source: bit.ly/4lfgp1s
Source: bit.ly/41W3pWY

4. The Central Consumer Protection Authority fined three lotion companies for falsely claiming in e-commerce ads that their products whiten skin instantly. The Bureau of Indian Standards found no scientific proof. The companies removed their ads and were warned of a ₹50 lakh fine for repeat violations.
Source: bit.ly/3G2pB94

5. India’s Delhi High Court upheld Consumer Protection Authority guidelines barring automatic service charges addition in restaurant bills. It was further held that collecting such service charge under other names constitutes an unfair trade practice. Additionally, GST cannot be charged on service charges.
Source: bit.ly/4j88ukG

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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 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