TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS & POLICY UPADATES

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 Drug Licensing authority has mandated to file all Post Approval Change (Form CT-06) applications for Cell and Gene Therapeutic Products exclusively through the SUGAM online portal after October 24 2025. Offline submissions will no longer be accepted thereafter.
Source: urli.info/1e0FX

2. The Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission has reportedly introduced 22 quality standards for blood and its components to ensure safe transfusions across India. These standards, to be included in the Indian Pharmacopoeia 2026, establish globally first comprehensive benchmarks ensuring quality, safety, and infection-free blood for patients nationwide.
Source: urli.info/1iNpx

3. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued draft amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945, introducing provisions to debar applicants found submitting misleading, fake, or fabricated documents for licences or approvals. Offenders may face suspension for a defined period, with the right to appeal within 30 days. Stakeholder comments invited within 30 days of publication.
Source: urli.info/1e0Fx

4. The Delhi High Court held that a doctor accused of medical negligence can continue to earn a livelihood by working at other medical centres. The Court clarified that the restriction only bars the doctor from running their own centre and does not prevent them from practising their profession elsewhere.
Source: urli.info/1e0FN

5. A Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum in India has held that the absence of a pathologist’s physical signature on medical reports cannot alone justify the denial of an insurance claim. In a case where a policyholder’s claim was rejected due to a missing signature, the forum directed the insurer to reimburse the cost after finding no evidence of fraud.
Source: urli.info/1iNph

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. General insurers are reportedly urging the Indian Finance Ministry to exempt commissions on health insurance from the 18% GST and reinstate input tax credit (ITC), arguing that commissions part of procurement costs should be treated like reinsurance commissions. Without relief, premiums could increase by ₹3-5 per ₹100 cover, hitting India’s ₹40-50k crore retail health insurance market.
Source: short-url.org/1antS

2. India’s Supreme Court has allowed Major Electronics company to be exempted from customs duty on its G Watch W7 imports from South Korea, even though it was classified under the higher duty category (CTH 8517). The court held that a certificate of origin from a country with which India has a full customs duty exemption agreement is sufficient to claim such exemption.
Source: short-url.org/1anu0

3. India’s Tamil Nadu Medical Council (TNMC) has issued a notice classifying “conversion therapy” as a professional misconduct. It warned that doctors attempting to alter a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity will face strict disciplinary action, including suspension or cancellation of their medical license, reinforcing ethical practice and safeguarding LGBTQIA+ rights across the medical community.
Source: short-url.org/1anvQ

4. Private hospitals in India are locking horns with insurers over reimbursement rates and delayed settlements as medical inflation surges. Some renowned hospitals have suspended cashless services in August. Policyholders are bearing the financial burden amid this impasse.
Source: short-url.org/1anuR

5. The Supreme Court ruled that under the NDPS Act, failure to produce the bulk of seized contraband at trial doesn’t fail the prosecution’s case, provided inventory, sample-drawing and forensic report are properly documented. The court emphasized that only in exceptional cases, where procedural breach undermines the case’s core, should retrial be ordered.
Source: short-url.org/1anv0

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 has classified packaged drinking water as a high-risk category, mandating pre-licence inspections of packaging facilities and annual risk-based audits for existing licence holders. This move aims to ensure hygiene and quality standards, aligning bottled water regulation with stricter public health norms.
Source: short-link.me/17nQx

2. Big private hospitals in India are opposing the General Insurance Council’s common empanelment proposal, arguing it lacks clarity on tariffs, timely claim settlements, and dispute resolution for short payments. They demand wider consultation and revisions before acceptance, stressing the framework must address operational challenges while ensuring insurers’ goal of streamlined empanelment and policyholder access.
Source: short-link.me/1bQ13

3. The GST Group of Ministers (GoM) has reportedly proposed eliminating the current 18% GST on individual life and health insurance premiums. The constituted panel will present recommendations by October 2025 and the final will be taken by GST Council.
Source: short-link.me/17nQT

4. The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India is reportedly collaborating with stakeholders to launch an online logistics platform to integrate exporters, importers, service providers, and regulators. The tool aims to centralise compliance, bidding, warehousing, insurance, routing, digital documentation, tracking and feedback.
Source: short-link.me/1bQ1l

5. India’s central drug regulator has recently mandated that exported drugs must retain at least 60% of their shelf life, prompting pharmaceutical companies to discard older inventory and incur significant financial losses. Industry stakeholders caution that the rule introduces substantial economic and logistical strain without offering adequate flexibility.
Source: short-link.me/1bQ1u

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 Medical Commission has directed all medical colleges to form and register adverse event monitoring committee chaired by the medical superintendent under the Materiovigilance Programme with Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission to monitor, assess and prevent adverse events from medical devices by July 31, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/3TI4mxc

2. The Maharashtra government paused its decision to let homeopaths prescribe modern medicine, forming a 7-member committee to review the issue within two months. The move comes amid strong opposition from medical associations concerned about public safety and standards. The matter remains pending in Bombay High Court.
Source: bit.ly/4lYxuMI

3. India’s Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Environment (Protection) Fourth Amendment Rules, 2025, introducing revised emission norms for thermal power plants. Based on plant categorization, sulphur dioxide emission standards have been prescribed, along with timelines and penalties for non-compliance, including environmental compensation.
Source: bit.ly/40iWJRx

4. The District Consumer Commission in Ernakulam, Kerala, found a fertility clinic guilty of unfair trade practices and service deficiency for giving misleading assurances about IVF success rates. The Commission awarded ₹2.66 lakh in compensation the couple, emphasizing that such conduct is a breach of duty owed to consumers, violating their right to truthful information and fair services.
Source: bit.ly/4lzmghO

5. The recently signed “One Big Beautiful Bill” introduces stricter Medicaid work and eligibility verification from 2027, in addition to funding cuts that may force insurers to exit low-margin markets. The Congressional Budget Office warns this could leave 7.8 million Americans uninsured by 2034, while driving up premiums and administrative burdens.
Source: bit.ly/4ls9HEN

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 drug authority has launched a new CT 04 application module on its SUGAM online portal, streamlining the issuance of import licences for cell & gene therapeutic products to simplify and accelerate regulatory compliance and imports.
Source: bit.ly/3TGuNmR

2. A Central Drugs Consultative Committee panel has noted consumer complaints over unreadable expiry dates, tiny fonts, glossy packaging, and generic-brand confusion on medicinal products. It recommends forming a DCGI-led sub committee including a packaging expert to overhaul labelling norms and evaluate regulatory requirements for packaging suppliers under Drugs Rules, 1945.
Source: bit.ly/3IpVF8h

3. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has recently directed licensing authorities to audit annual returns filed by food business operators on the FoSCoS platform. Authorities have been directed to flag inconsistencies, permit revisions via updated portal features, and enforce penalties for false declarations.
Source: bit.ly/4lpGH0p

4. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs has mandated that customs officers verify the registration of plastic raw material importers on the Centralized Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Portal before clearing consignments. This directive aligns with the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024.
Source: bit.ly/3TYREu9

5. The Government of India has reportedly planned to transfer the National Health Claims Exchange (Insurance claims platform) from the health ministry to the finance ministry under Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority’s oversight to combat inflated hospital bills for insured patients.
Source: bit.ly/40hID2M

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 Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has directed all e-commerce platforms to conduct self-audits within three months to eliminate ‘dark patterns’. Platforms are encouraged to submit self-declarations affirming compliance with the 2023 Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns.
Source: bit.ly/43SkWPg

2. Indian Government is reportedly planning to introduce a Minimum Import Price (MIP) on pharmaceutical raw materials including Key Starting Materials (KSMs), drug intermediates, and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) to curb the influx of low-cost Chinese imports and support domestic manufacturers.
Source: bit.ly/3Tjvdz6

3. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare has notified the draft Insecticides (Amendment) Rules, 2025, aimed at simplifying licences for insecticides used for household purposes. The amendments reduce application timelines from 90 to 30 days, mandate QR codes on retail packs, and applicants applying for renewal must now meet the educational qualification requirement and require applicants renewing their licences to meet the prescribed educational qualifications.
Source: bit.ly/43PCD23

4. India’s National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission upheld LIC’s appeal, affirming that insurance contracts require utmost good faith (uberrimae fidei) and placing the burden of disclosure on the insured. Citing the insured’s failure to disclose a prior medical condition as material, it found the State Commission’s award flawed and ordered a fresh review.
Source: bit.ly/3SHoBKU

5. India’s Ministry of Finance has revised several General Financial Rules (GFRs) to ease and expedite procurement processes for scientific equipment and consumables in government-funded research and S&T institutions, by raising financial limits for direct purchases and tenders by head of institutes.
Source: bit.ly/3Zlo8lo

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 Allahabad High Court recently ruled that insurance payouts must follow succession laws. It clarified that a nominee is not the actual heir but only holds the money on behalf of the legal heirs. So, the nominee cannot keep the insurance amount for themselves if there are rightful successors.
Source: bit.ly/4jMr2Yu

2. The Indian government has issued a Quality Control Order (QCO) mandating that all aluminum and aluminum alloy foil used for pharmaceutical packaging, along with other specified aluminum and aluminum alloy products to bear the Standard Mark under a license from the Bureau of Indian Standards. The order will take effect on 1st October 2025 and does not apply to products manufactured in India for export purposes.
Source:  bit.ly/3Sno9B4

3. India’s National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has fixed separate retail prices for new drug formulations manufactured by a pharmaceutical company. The company requested the separate pricing by highlighting the unique features of packaging like self-collapsibility and self-seal ability, not having air-vent and no chance of contamination during manufacture/ infusion/ admixing levels.
Source: bit.ly/4k7f3nR

4. The Government of India is reportedly planning to invoke the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA) to prevent hoarding and ensure uninterrupted access to essential commodities. This move comes in response to potential supply chain disruptions and as part of anti-profiteering measures following Operation Sindoor.
Source: bit.ly/3GKcXvV

5. The United States government has issued an executive order aimed at boosting domestic pharmaceutical manufacturing. The order directs the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to expedite the approval process for new domestic production facilities. Additionally, the government plans to impose tariffs on pharmaceutical imports to encourage domestic production and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers.
Source: bit.ly/3EVqyA8

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 declined to grant an interim injunction against four influencers who criticized a popular protein brand’s product in YouTube videos. The Court ruled that their comments, based on lab reports, constituted fair comment in public interest and not defamation.
Source: bit.ly/3GxgRIw

2. The Supreme Court of India has ruled that the limitation period for filing appeals under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015, begins from the date the judgment is pronounced, not when the party receives the judgment copy. The Court held that delay in seeking a certified copy doesn’t justify condoning limitation period.
Source: bit.ly/432T5fc

3. An Indian District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has ruled against an insurance company for unfair trade practices after it denied a valid accident claim. The complainant signed the discharge voucher but added the words “with protest” to express his disagreement, which led to its denial.
Source: bit.ly/4jtaZi1

4. India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has reportedly requested export data from Pharmexcil, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, amid ongoing trade restrictions with Pakistan. The move is aimed at assessing the flow of pharmaceutical products between the two countries.
Source: bit.ly/42Osz96

5. Swissmedic has invited feedback on the International Council for Harmonisation (ICH) Guideline M13B, which aims to harmonize bioequivalence study designs and data analysis methods for immediate-release solid oral dosage forms like tablets, capsules, and granules/powders for oral suspension. Stakeholders may submit feedback until July 9, 2025.
Source: bit.ly/44bvFq2

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 inspectors from Bureau of Indian Standards found illegal stock of consumer products at warehouses of e-commerce companies. The consumer products required BIS license to be placed on market for sale but did not carry them. E-commerce entities are required to exercise due diligence prior to stocking and listing items for sale, or face liability
Source: bit.ly/428WxW2

2. India’s Bombay High Court has ruled that an arbitration clause in invoices can be binding if the parties act on the invoices and do not raise objections. The court held that by accepting and paying the invoices, the parties implicitly agreed to the arbitration clause, making it enforceable.
Source: bit.ly/4ibuivJ

3. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has recommended creating a single independent drug controller for AYUSH medicines, uniform licensing processes across states and strengthening of pharmacovigilance. It also urged stricter action against misleading advertisements and improving drug safety and quality.
Source: bit.ly/3DxmFRi

4. India’s Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health has highlighted delays and lack of transparency in medical device licensing by CDSCO, pushing medical device companies to shift manufacturing abroad.
The Committee has recommended a streamlined, digitized system, faster approvals for internationally certified products, and the establishment of an advisory board to address regulatory challenges in the industry.
Source:  bit.ly/41pF6PC

5. The Insurance Regulator is reportedly gearing up for passage of The Insurance Amendment Bill 2024. Key features of the bill aim to enhance operational flexibility and attract more investment into the insurance industry by allowing 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) and by allowing insurance companies to merge with non-insurance entities for strategic partnerships and increased synergies.
Source: bit.ly/4iaOLRk

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