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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 Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration has prohibited the sale, distribution and use of three skin-lightening creams after detecting dangerously high levels of mercury and lead, along with labelling violations. The action underscores stricter enforcement of safety and labelling requirements under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
Source: short-url.cc/1tgYn

2. India’s Rajasthan government has reportedly introduced a three-tier drug quality testing mechanism for medicines procured under the state’s public healthcare system due to concerns about drug quality. The enhanced measures require quality verification at multiple stages, enhanced oversight by healthcare institutions, and stricter monitoring of medicines and surgical consumables. The state has also expanded its investigation into the concerned drug manufacturer while strengthening procurement and quality assurance processes.
Source: short-url.cc/1tgWb

3. India’s Central Drug Authority, CDSCO has reportedly signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Indonesia’s National Agency of Drug and Food Control (NADFC). The partnership aims to improve cooperation in regulating pharmaceuticals and medical products. The agreement allows for sharing regulatory information, technical skills, and best practices. The agreement seeks to benefit manufacturers by creating a predictable regulatory environment and enhancing international trade.
Source: short-url.cc/1yNWW

4. India’s Telangana government is set to enforce stricter regulations for private In-Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) centres to improve transparency, curb unethical practices and strengthen oversight of Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) services. The proposed measures include frequent inspections and monitoring of licensing, medicines, record maintenance, and stricter compliance with the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act, 2021, and the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021.
Source: short-url.cc/1tgWl

5. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has opposed the Maharashtra Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Bill, expressing adverse effects on the functioning of private medical establishments by imposing excessive regulations and limiting autonomy. The association has urged the state government to reconsider the draft legislation and has warned of a statewide strike and boycott of government healthcare schemes if its concerns are not addressed.
Source: short-url.cc/1tgWq

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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 Maharashtra’s Food and Drug Administration has reportedly issued a public warning against the use of three cosmetic products after laboratory testing detected excessive levels of mercury and lead, rendering them non-compliant with prescribed safety standards. The regulator has advised consumers to avoid using the affected products and has initiated appropriate regulatory action to prevent their sale and distribution. The move underscores the FDA’s continued efforts to safeguard public health by enforcing quality and safety standards for cosmetics.
Source: short-url.cc/1yGXL

2. Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has reportedly issued notices to energy drink brands for their misleading claims of “energy drink on product branding and labelling”. The FSSAI further states that the Food Category System under the Food Safety and Standards Regulations is not intended for product naming or labelling purposes.
Source: short-url.cc/1taa0

3. The Indian Pharmaceutical Association (IPA) has urged the ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW) to remove AYUSH and Homeopathy provisions from the National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2026. The association contended that the proposed bill should remain confined to the regulation of modern pharmacy education and practice, stating that the inclusion of traditional systems of medicine could dilute the existing regulatory framework for pharmaceutical sciences.
Source: short-url.cc/1yGXT

4. The Maharashtra Government has introduced the Maharashtra Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Bill, 2026, to create a comprehensive regulatory framework for clinical establishments. Replacing the Bombay Nursing Homes Registration Act, 1949, the Bill mandates registration, prescribes minimum standards, strengthens patient rights, promotes fee transparency and establishes oversight and enforcement mechanisms.
Source: short-url.cc/1taab

5. The Jharkhand High Court has held that bhang does not fall within the definition of “cannabis (hemp)” under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985. The Court observed that the statutory definition covers charas, ganja, and specified cannabis preparations, but does not include bhang prepared from cannabis leaves. Accordingly, the Court ruled that the possession or sale of bhang, by itself, does not attract the penal provisions of the NDPS Act, reaffirming the distinction drawn under the statutory framework.
Source: short-url.cc/1taah

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TOP 5 HEALTH LAWS AND POLICY UPDATES 19 June

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 Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has directed the recall of a Schedule H prescription cough and cold medication manufactured by a leading pharmaceutical company following concerns over its public advertisement. As advertisements of Schedule H drugs are prohibited, the action highlights continued regulatory scrutiny of promotional practices for prescription medicines.
Source: short-url.cc/1sRrA

2. India plans to establish Centres of Excellence to tackle diabetes-related wounds within 2–3 years. Backed by substantial investments, these centres will integrate advanced imaging, AI-enabled monitoring, and multidisciplinary care to reduce complications like foot ulcers and amputations. These centres will also offer multiple qualified health specialists from various areas for wounds.
Source: short-url.cc/1sRrF

3. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified the amendment to the Surrogacy rules, introducing a framework for the renewal of surrogacy clinic registrations under the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021. The amendments prescribe the procedure, timelines, inspection requirements, and fees for renewal applications, provide for the utilisation of registration fees by appropriate authorities, and make renewed registrations valid for a further period of three years.
Source: short-url.cc/1ymC2

4. India’s central food authority, Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has reportedly directed Food Business Operators (FBOs) to ensure that only corrosion-resistant knives and cutting tools are used in food handling, processing, preparation, and packaging activities. FSSAI has emphasized that food-contact materials and equipment must be maintained in a hygienic condition and be made of suitable materials that do not compromise food safety. Food businesses have been advised to review their operational practices and replace non-compliant equipment to ensure adherence to applicable food safety and hygiene requirements. The advisory is aimed at minimizing the risk of physical and chemical contamination arising from rusted or deteriorating equipment coming into contact with food products.
Source: short-url.cc/1ymCb

5. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has notified the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2026. The amendment inserts Rules 7A and 8A, introducing a formal renewal framework for registration of Assisted Reproductive Technology clinics and banks. It prescribes renewal application procedures, a 60-day pre-expiry filing timeline, renewal fees, and review processes, while clarifying the utilization of registration fees. Renewed registrations will remain valid for five years.
Source: short-url.cc/1sRsz

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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. A major food manufactured in the USA has removed all certified artificial colours from its food and beverage portfolio successfully, achieving its goal of fully eliminating them by the middle of this year. This move was announced in June 2025 and was confirmed that more than 90% of its U.S. portfolio was already free from synthetic dyes. These reformulated products have started arriving for consumption in the USA.
Source: short-url.cc/1xs6v

2. Hong Kong’s Department of Health has announced that medical gases will be regulated as pharmaceutical products from June 14, 2026, requiring manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers to obtain relevant licences. Products containing nitrous oxide and nitric oxide will be classified as prescription medicines. Non-compliance may result in fines, imprisonment, and other regulatory enforcement actions.
Source: short-url.cc/1rZJs

3. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters to multiple entities for alleged violations of current Good Manufacturing Practice (CGMP) requirements and for the unlawful marketing of GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs through telehealth platforms. These warnings address firms that do not meet quality standards and telehealth providers promoting unapproved products for weight loss. The FDA emphasised compliance with manufacturing, quality, and marketing rules, and cautioned that failure to address the identified violations could result in further regulatory action.
Source: short-url.cc/1xs6F

4. India’s Central government has amended the marine export laws for export administration, effective from 9th June 2026. To modernize export administration, the notification mandates online registration workflows and establishes revised fee schedules. The legislative intent is to digitize statutory record-keeping and enforce strict compliance protocols governing ownership transfers, facility modifications, and dealer licensing across vessels, processing plants, and storage premises.
Source: short-url.cc/1rZJV

5. The World Health Organization has urged countries to shift from visual inspection and cytology-based screening to Human Papillomavirus testing for cervical cancer prevention. The updated recommendation highlights superior accuracy in detecting high-risk infections and supports wider adoption of affordable, locally developed Human Papillomavirus tests to accelerate cervical cancer elimination efforts.
Source: short-url.cc/1xs6P

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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. 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

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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. 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

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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 National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has increased the ceiling prices of Anti-Tetanus Immunoglobulin 250 International Units and 500 International Units injections by 50 percent exercising its extraordinary powers. The revision follows concerns over rising production costs and aims to ensure continued availability of these essential life-saving medicines.
Source: short-url.cc/1ymqX

2. India’s central food authority, FSSAI, has reportedly issued show-cause notices to eight food companies in India. One such notice was issued for deceptive branding. This Notice was issued because a brand used the claim “plant-based vegan” on the packaging which was not approved under FSSAI license obtained. Such claims have higher chances of misleading the consumers by using marketing tactics to create false impressions of the brand.
Source: short-url.cc/1ymr2

3. India’s central food authority, FSSAI, has reportedly advised Food Business Operators (FBOs) to immediately discontinue the use of metallic pins, staples, and wires in food packaging materials, citing potential risks of physical contamination and consumer injury. The regulator has urged businesses to review their packaging processes and adopt safer alternatives such as food-grade adhesives, tapes, or other secure packaging methods that do not compromise food safety. The advisory forms part of FSSAI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen food safety practices and reduce the risk of foreign matter contamination across the food supply chain.
Source: short-url.cc/1sRhw

4. The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) mandates that all manufacturers and importers of hair colour cosmetics strictly adhere to the Cosmetics Rules, 2020, and applicable Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). To safeguard public health, stakeholders must ensure absolute compliance with statutory labelling requirements, ingredient restrictions, and mandatory caution statements. Furthermore, any alterations to a product’s composition, quality specifications, or label must be formally reported to the appropriate Central or State Licensing Authority.
Source: short-url.cc/1sRhD

5. The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has revised upward the ceiling prices of BCG, Measles Rubella and Measles vaccines pursuant to a review order. The change reflects the Department of Pharmaceuticals’ view that the 17.1% monopoly reduction should not apply to vaccines, supporting continued vaccine availability.
Source: short-url.cc/1ymqX

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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. 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

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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 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

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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 central food authority, FSSAI has notified the Food Safety and Standards (Vegan Foods) Amendment Regulations, 2026 which introduces revised official logo specifications for approved vegan food products, replacing the 2022 framework. Mandating the updated logo on all approved packages, the new requirements will take effect from July 1, 2027, offering businesses a transition period for packaging updates.
Source: shortlink.uk/1qVzx

2. The Department of Consumer Affairs has amended the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011, allowing importers to make mandatory declarations at bonded warehouses of Tier-2 and Tier-3 Authorised Economic Operators. The amendments also require disclosure of the director responsible for violations, mandate annual updates of registration details, and clarify that registration certificates will remain valid until cancelled.
Source: shortlink.uk/1qVzz

3. The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) has launched a centralized online patient feedback system across its hospitals and dispensaries to strengthen patient-centric healthcare delivery and improve service quality. The digital platform enables beneficiaries to submit feedback on various aspects of healthcare services, including medical care, staff behaviour, cleanliness, waiting time, and overall patient experience. The initiative aims to facilitate real-time monitoring of patient satisfaction, enhance accountability, and support timely resolution of grievances.
Source: shortlink.uk/1wkLy

4. The Delhi High Court has allowed pharmaceutical company to continue selling its cancer drug Bevatas, overturning an earlier order. The court ruled that Bevatas and Bevetex are sufficiently distinct in appearance, pronunciation and use, making consumer confusion unlikely and permitting continued sales.
Source: shortlink.uk/1wkLD

5. The National Medical Commission has issued an advisory directing all medical colleges to mandatorily implement safe injection practices, including exclusive use of sterile single-use needles and syringes, strict infection prevention measures, proper biomedical waste disposal, periodic staff training, and prompt reporting of needle-stick injuries to prevent the transmission of blood-borne infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B (HBV), and Hepatitis C (HCV).
Source: shortlink.uk/1wkLF