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 Organization (CDSCO) has invited stakeholder comments on the use of brand name extensions by pharmaceutical companies. The consultation follows concerns that different drugs marketed under the same established brand name may mislead consumers and create confusion regarding therapeutic use. Comments are invited until 17 July 2026.
Source: short-url.cc/1yKJk

2. India’s Madras High Court held that consignments imported as “waste paper” were in fact used plastic bottles, street sweepings, food waste making their import into India illegal under the Customs Act and Hazardous Waste Rules. The Court rejected the importers’ request to send the waste to Dubai, ruling that “re-export” means returning the waste to the country of origin, not to a third country chosen by the importer. The Court further condemned the practice of developed countries shifting hazardous waste to developing nations as “waste colonialism,” which undermines the environmental justice and threatens public health and ecological security. The Court refused permission to process or dispose of waste within India, to avoid becoming a “disposal destination” for foreign waste. The petitions were dismissed, the waste was ordered to be returned to the exporting countries within 60 days, and costs were imposed on the petitioners.
Source: short-url.cc/1yKL6

3. India’s Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has issued show-cause notices to private hospitals for non-compliance with the Bombay Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1949, including the failure to display treatment charges and patients’ rights. PMC has directed the hospitals to rectify the identified deficiencies within the prescribed timeline. The enforcement action follows inspections conducted as part of routine compliance monitoring and in response to public complaints.
Source: short-url.cc/1tdPE

4. The Indian working group on access to medicines and treatments has urged the central government to revise the National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) by including newer cancer medicines and monoclonal antibodies. The group states that the current NLEM does not reflect the World Health Organization (WHO) model list of essential medicines.
Source: short-url.cc/1tdQ0

5. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has issued show cause notices to multiple food business operators for allegedly misleading claims, including the use of terms such as “fresh,” “healthy,” “natural,” “organic,” and “vegan.” The regulator has reiterated that such claims must strictly comply with the applicable labelling and advertising regulations.
Source: short-url.cc/1tdQe

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 Government has mandated the renewal every five years mandatory for registration certificates and license held by fertility clinics and semen banks and every three years for surrogacy clinics through the National Registry Portal. This renewal shall attract non-refundable fees which may be doubled in case of failure to comply. This Notification aims to streamline regular inspections and adherence to prescribed standards. Government run institutes are exempted under Notification.
Source: short-url.cc/1sSzt

2. The Indian Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has released the operational guidelines for national ambulance services (NAS), 2026 to strengthen emergency medical response and standardise ambulance services across the country. The guidelines prescribe consistent standards for ambulance infrastructure, staffing, equipment, response times, digital integration, and quality assurance. The initiative aims to improve timely access to emergency care and, ensure consistent delivery of pre-hospital emergency medical services nationwide.
Source: short-url.cc/1sSzU

3. The Supreme Court has held that deficiencies or inaccuracies in mandatory Form F records under the PCPNDT Act are not mere technical lapses but significant statutory violations. Upholding criminal proceedings against a medical practitioner, the Court reaffirmed the importance of strict record-keeping to prevent sex-selection practices and ensure effective enforcement of the law.
Source: short-url.cc/1ynLe

4. India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) and Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have suspended operations at two blood centres in Mumbai and Thane after inspections revealed serious regulatory violations including compromise of the quality and safety of blood collection, storage, and distribution as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and, the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945.
Source: short-url.cc/1ynLY

5. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a penalty on a food manufacturer for making misleading “100% Atta Bread” and “100% Whole Wheat” claims. The Authority held that the product’s labelling and advertisements were likely to mislead consumers regarding its composition as the product contained only about 87% whole wheat flour, and such claim would give an impression to that the product is wholly composed of wheat flour, thus amounting to a misleading advertisement. The action highlights the CCPA’s continued enforcement against deceptive food labelling and misleading marketing practices to safeguard consumer interests.
Source: short-url.cc/1sSAc

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 District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-II, Chandigarh passed an Order in favour of the consumer for automatically levying a service charge and without obtaining the consent of the consumer; further, the opposite party refused to remove the said charge upon objection. The opposite party did not appear in the Consumer Court, hence, an ex-parte Order was passed. The opposite party was directed to refund ₹129 collected towards service charge and pay a lump-sum compensation of ₹5,000 towards harassment and litigation expenses within 45 days of receipt of the order.
Source: short-url.cc/1ymfE

2. India’s finance ministry has extended the customs duty exemption on imports of specified petrochemical products used in pharmaceutical manufacturing such as chemicals, plastics, textiles, packaging, and automotive manufacturing in view of the continuing global supply disruptions. The extension is intended to ensure the uninterrupted availability of essential raw materials, support domestic pharmaceutical production, and help mitigate input cost pressures.
Source: short-url.cc/1ymfK

3. India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has imposed a ₹1 lakh penalty on a major beverages manufacturer for making a misleading “100% tender coconut water” claim. The authority held that the product’s labelling and advertising had the potential to mislead consumers regarding its composition, constituting a misleading advertisement and unfair trade practices under the consumer protection Act, 2019. The authority directed the company to discontinue the impugned advertisements and imposed a monetary penalty.
Source: short-url.cc/1sR6o

4. The Indian Multi-Disciplinary Committee of experts advised the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority to fix ceiling prices for intravenous fluids with advanced safety packaging at fifteen percent above existing regulated prices. If accepted, the proposal would encourage adoption of safer packaging technologies while ensuring these essential medicines remain subject to price regulation.
Source: short-url.cc/1sR6v

5. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued a notice directing registered battery waste recyclers to upload GST e-invoices for the sale of recovered key battery metals and metal compounds on the Battery Waste EPR Portal for EPR Certificate generation. EPR Certificates generated on the basis of non-GST e-invoices after 30 June 2026 will not be considered valid and may constitute non-compliance under the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022.
Source: short-url.cc/1ymg3

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. USA based company has issued a nationwide recall of its powdered infant formula after the FDA and CDC contacted the company about three infant botulism cases involving babies who had consumed its formula. The affected infants in California, Washington, and Pennsylvania were hospitalized and treated with FDA-approved treatment, with no deaths reported. No formula has tested positive for the bacteria; the recall was made as a precaution.
Source: short-url.cc/1rUTh

2. The Union Health Ministry’s decision to remove cough syrups from the Schedule K exemption may encourage a shift towards Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani remedies, particularly in rural areas where access to doctors and licensed pharmacies is limited. Industry experts expect demand for Ayush cough syrups to rise as access to conventional cough syrups require a prescription for purchase.
Source: short-url.cc/1rUTs

3. IHLD MedTech to reportedly establish a nationwide network of specialized wound-care Centers of Excellence under its Wound Heal Plus initiative. This is important as chronic and non-healing wounds, particularly among diabetic patients, remain a major healthcare challenge. The network will expand access to advanced wound management, rehabilitation, and AI-enabled patient monitoring services.
Source: short-url.cc/1rUTw

4. US FDA has approved updated safety labelling for an OTC weight-loss drug, adding warnings about rare risks of acute kidney injury and kidney stones. The change is important as it alerts consumers and healthcare providers to potential kidney complications, especially among users with kidney disease or a history of kidney stones.
Source: short-url.cc/1xn6Q

5. A recent inspection by the Telangana Medical Council has reignited discussions on the scope of practice and legality of dentists in relation to aesthetic and hair transplantation procedures. The NMC stated that only trained medical professionals should conduct these non-emergency procedures. The NDC allowed oral and maxillofacial surgeons to perform them with proper training. Furthermore, the Telangana Medical Council confirmed that dentists lack the training for such procedures.
 Source: short-url.cc/1xn6U

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. Maharashtra FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe issued an Order on June 12, 2026 barring hospitals, doctors, and affiliated pharmacies from compelling patients to buy medicines exclusively from in-house pharmacies. Prescriptions must be handed directly to patients which gives the patients an option to pick pharmacy of their choice. This restriction put by hospitals on the choice of the patient to purchase medicines from their choice of a pharmacy amounts to unfair trade practices under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Further, hospitals must now display notices stating patients of their right to purchase medicines from any licensed pharmacy of their choice in English and Marathi.
Source: shortlink.uk/1xhAz

2. The Jharkhand High Court has directed a complete ban on the conduct of the “two-finger test” in all hospitals, medical colleges, and healthcare institutions across the State. Reiterating established legal and medical principles, the Court observed that the practice is unscientific, violates the dignity, privacy, and bodily autonomy of survivors of sexual assault, and has no evidentiary value in determining consent or sexual history. The Court directed the concerned authorities to ensure strict compliance with existing guidelines and legal standards governing the medical examination of sexual assault survivors, while emphasizing the need for survivor-centric and trauma-informed medical care. The ruling reinforces the prohibition on the use of the test and underscores the obligation of healthcare institutions to adhere to prescribed medico-legal protocols.
Source: shortlink.uk/1xgoW

3. The Telangana Drugs Control Administration has reportedly intensified enforcement against illegal medicine distribution by raiding an unauthorized supplier of cardiac stimulant injections and an unlicensed medical shop. Authorities warned against unauthorized sales and supply of prescription medicines.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rOoZ

4. The Supreme Court has reaffirmed that strict compliance with the PCPNDT Act, 1994 is essential to prevent sex-selective practices and female foeticide. The Court held that deficiencies in mandatory records, including Form F, are not mere technical errors but substantive violations. Emphasising the Act’s objective, it observed that accurate documentation is a crucial safeguard for effective monitoring, enforcement, and prevention of unlawful sex determination practices.
Source: shortlink.uk/1xgqd

5.India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified an amendment to Drugs Rules, 1945 dated June 9, 2026. The amendment removes the term “Syrups” from Item (7) under Serial No. 13 of Schedule K of the Drugs Rules, 1945. This means that now syrups will be sold under a sales license only. Schedule K specifies certain classes of drugs and categories of persons or institutions that are exempt from specific provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Rules made thereunder, subject to prescribed conditions. The amendment came into force on the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rOqd

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. Through an FIR filed by a health activist, it was found that thirty doctors from nine states were found guilty of accepting luxury foreign trips worth ₹1.9 crore from a pharma company. While 27 names were sent to the NMC, several state medical councils failed to act. The NMC has now sent reminders to State Medical Councils of Assam, Delhi, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana and WB to expedite action and warning it may intervene if delays persist, to ensure accountability and compliance across medical practice.
Source: shortlink.uk/1wLSY

2. India’s central government is reportedly considering to extend the customs duty exemption on critical petrochemical inputs used by the pharmaceutical industry beyond the current June 30, 2026 deadline. The proposal is being examined in view of continued supply chain disruptions and rising input costs linked to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The duty relief, originally introduced as a temporary measure in April 2026, covers several petrochemical products that serve as key raw materials and intermediates for pharmaceutical manufacturing. Government officials have indicated that an extension may be considered if prevailing conditions continue to impact the availability and cost of essential inputs.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rkQs

3. The Government is reportedly working on a proposal to strengthen the financial viability of Jan Aushadhi Kendras by revising the incentive structure, increasing retailer margins, extending credit periods, and addressing losses arising from expired inventory. Under the proposed measures, product margins for Kendra operators may be gradually increased to as much as 50%, while credit periods for retailers could be extended from 45 days to 75 days to ease working capital requirements. The plan also contemplates mechanisms for absorbing losses on expired medicines and enhancing support across the supply chain. These measures are aimed at improving inventory availability, supporting sustainable operations of Kendras, and facilitating the continued expansion of the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) network across the country.
Source: shortlink.uk/1wLTd

4. The Madras High Court has ruled in favour of a pharmaceutical innovator company in a patent infringement dispute concerning the export of an Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API). The Court held that the defendant’s export activities were not protected under the Bolar exemption as the defendant failed to produce regulatory documentation demonstrating that the exports were solely for purposes permitted under the provision. The Court further held that a prior consent decree entered into by the defendant operated as issue estoppel, preventing it from subsequently challenging the validity of the patent. Consequently, the Court granted relief restraining the infringing activities and reaffirmed the evidentiary requirements for entities seeking to rely on the Bolar exemption for export-related activities.
Source: shortlink.uk/1wLTi

5. The Delhi High Court has issued notice in a trademark infringement and passing off suit filed by a pharmaceutical company alleging that several medicinal product marks adopted by the defendants are deceptively similar to its registered and applied-for trademarks. The plaintiff contends that the impugned marks are likely to cause confusion and deception among consumers, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector where a higher standard of care is required to avoid medication errors. Considering the plaintiff’s application for interim relief, the Court has sought a response from the defendants and directed them to file their reply within three weeks. The matter will now proceed for consideration of the plaintiff’s request for an ex-parte ad-interim injunction and other reliefs.
Source: shortlink.uk/1wLTw

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. Punjab’s Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) has cancelled a pharmaceutical manufacturer’s licence and ordered a nationwide product recall following findings that allegedly linked substandard oxytocin injections to maternal deaths. The action highlights increased scrutiny of GMP compliance and data integrity, signalling stricter enforcement where product quality deficiencies may endanger patient safety.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rjtj

2. Maharashtra’s FDA has uncovered a supply of falsely labelled “sterile” surgical gloves to government hospitals in Mumbai. The gloves were allegedly unsterilised due to company’s sterilization machine was malfunctioning, prompting raids and seizure of stock. The company responsible had attempted to recall the unsterilized surgical gloves before the raid with no success. Authorities are investigating licensing violations and whether proper recall procedures were followed.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rjtr

3. A U.S. federal court has allowed a proposed class-action lawsuit to proceed against a manufacturer of a children’s nutritional drink over allegations that its marketing and packaging misled consumers into believing the product was clinically proven to help children grow taller. The court held that product claims, combined with visual branding and advertising elements, could reasonably be interpreted by consumers as referring to height growth rather than general growth and development. The lawsuit alleges that consumers were misled regarding the product’s benefits, while the company maintains that its claims are scientifically supported and appropriately describe the product’s role in supporting children’s growth and development. The case will now proceed for further judicial consideration.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rjtH

4. India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade has exempted Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units and developers from the applicability of conditions of Quality Control Orders (QCO) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) rules. This exemption will be applicable on the permissible good imported like raw materials and capital goods which are authorized for SEZ operations. However, if these imported items or their resulting manufactured products are moved into the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA), they will be required to fully comply with all applicable QCO and BIS laws. Additionally, SEZ entities will have to submit a formal undertaking to the Development Commissioner at the time of import.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rjtg

5. The United States Food and Drug Administration is conducting a scientific safety review of mifepristone, the abortion pill, using existing drug safety systems. The review could influence future distribution requirements for the medicine. While the agency maintains that mifepristone is safe and effective when used as directed, abortion rights groups have criticized the review.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rjtT

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 Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has launched a centralized online patient feedback system across its hospitals and dispensaries nationwide to strengthen patient-centric healthcare delivery. The digital platform enables beneficiaries to submit feedback on healthcare services received at ESIC facilities, facilitating real-time monitoring of patient experiences and service quality. The initiative will help identify service gaps, support continuous quality improvement, and strengthen the overall healthcare experience for insured persons and their dependents.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rjWU

2. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has quashed criminal proceedings against a liquor manufacturer arising from the transport of liquor consignments where authorities found two liquor cases without a valid permit and bottles bearing batch numbers different from those specified in the permit. The Court observed that the batch-number discrepancies resulted from inadvertent labelling errors by workers, with no evidence of adulteration or revenue loss to the government. Holding that only the transport of the two unpermitted liquor cases constituted an offence, the Court compounded the matter and imposed a monetary penalty, while allowing separate departmental action for licence-condition violations to continue.
Source: shortlink.uk/1wKXJ

3. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified an amendment to Schedule V of the Drugs Rules, 1945, substituting the unit for folic acid from “mg” (milligram) to “mcg” (microgram). The amendment will come into force six months from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rjX4

4. The Ministry of AYUSH has amended the NCISM appointment rules to reduce the minimum experience required for appointment as Secretary to the Commission from 15 years to 7 years. The amendments also clarify that serving government officials appointed to NCISM or its Autonomous Boards will be treated as being on deputation and provide alternative provident fund coverage where General Provident Fund subscription is unavailable. This strengthens the institutional and human-resource framework of the NCISM, which oversees standards in Indian systems of medicine.
Source: shortlink.uk/1rjWU

5. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is considering raising prices of key platinum-based cancer drugs like cisplatin and carboplatin after manufacturers flagged steep increases in raw material costs, especially platinum. Authorities are balancing concerns over patient affordability with the risk of supply shortages if prices remain unchanged.
Source: shortlink.uk/1wKXQ

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 Directorate General of Foreign Trade(DGFT), issued a Public Notice dated 1 June 2026 and has notified six new Standard Input Output Norms (SIONs) under the Chemical and Allied Product Group for specified pharmaceutical products. The notification enables Regional Authorities to grant Advance Authorisations without case-specific referrals to the Norms Committee, thereby reducing processing timelines, ensuring uniformity in approvals, and promoting ease of doing business for pharmaceutical exporters.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q-yS

2. The Delhi High Court directed CDSCO to review safety concerns over semaglutide injections within two months. A patient petition claims that manual calculation of dosage deviates from global pre-filled pen standards, risking overdose, underdose, and misuse. CDSCO must determine if approval aligns with patient safety and international practices.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q-xi

3. The Indian government is reportedly drafting new organ transplant rules to introduce Donation after Circulatory Death (DCD) and strengthen frameworks for organ swaps and brain-stem death donations. The proposed reforms aim to expand the donor pool, standardise transplant procedures, and improve access to life-saving organ transplants.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q-z5

4. The Maharashtra State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has held that obtaining a patient’s signature on a pre-printed consent form without adequately disclosing the nature of the procedure, associated risks, possible complications, and available alternatives does not constitute valid informed consent. The Commission observed that a mere signature on a standardised form cannot satisfy a doctor’s duty of disclosure and ruled that failure to obtain proper informed consent amounts to a deficiency in service. While the Commission found no evidence of medical negligence in the performance of the surgery or post-operative care, it held the medical practitioner liable for not securing valid informed consent and awarded compensation.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q-za

5. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has directed pharmaceutical manufacturers to establish and maintain pharmacovigilance systems in line with revised Schedule M requirements. Companies must maintain dedicated adverse reaction monitoring mechanisms, appoint qualified pharmacovigilance officers and keep detailed records, with compliance subject to regulatory inspections.
Source: shortlink.uk/1q-xq

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 Supreme Court has held that access to trauma care is a fundamental right under Article 21, directing all States and UTs to unify emergency helplines under 112, establish trauma registries, operationalise cashless treatment for road accident victims, and enforce ambulance tracking standards within set timelines. The ruling significantly expands constitutional obligations on healthcare infrastructure, emergency services, insurers, and public health governance across India. It also needs to have physical and digital grievance redressal systems for good samaritans. This classification is not restricted to national highways but extends to state highways and district roads too.
Source: shortlink.uk/1qB9n

2. The government has reportedly referred 27 doctors to the National Medical Commission (NMC) for disciplinary action in connection with a pharmaceutical freebies case involving sponsored foreign trips under the guise of rendering of knowledge dissemination service. The matter relates to alleged acceptance of luxury travel and hospitality benefits linked to pharmaceutical promotional activities, with State Medical Councils now expected to examine the cases pursuant to violation of MCI Code of Ethics. The development intensifies scrutiny around pharma-doctor engagement practices, and enforcement of professional conduct regulations within the healthcare sector.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vZFF

3. The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) initiated regulatory action against unauthorized online sale of hazardous chemicals like ammonium nitrate, PETN, gun powder, and picric acid. Notices were issued to e-commerce platforms, seller details shared with PESO, and platforms began delisting products to ensure consumer safety and compliance
Source: shortlink.uk/1vZFK

4. Pharmaceutical manufacturers are increasingly focusing on contamination control infrastructure, particularly Air Handling Unit (AHU) filter maintenance systems, to support compliance with revised Schedule M requirements. Industry experts note that heightened regulatory expectations around hygiene, traceability, cross-contamination prevention, and cleanroom maintenance are driving interest in automated AHU filter cleaning and maintenance technologies.
Source: shortlink.uk/1vZFU

5. Government of India is reportedly planning to launch a dedicated childhood cancer registry which aims to systematically collect data on cancer cases in children in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). India records around seventy-five thousand new cancer cases annually, many detected late. The government plans awareness, data collection, and collaborations to improve early diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
Source: shortlink.uk/1qB8R