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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 Kerala High Court has emphasized the need for caution among investigating officers when implicating doctors under the POCSO Act for failing to report offenses. The court highlighted that such actions should not be taken lightly, especially in cases where there is no clear evidence of deliberate intent or negligence. This ruling aims to protect medical professionals from unwarranted legal repercussions that could arise from misunderstandings or misinterpretations of their responsibilities.
Source: bit.ly/4jxbEiQ

2. The Allahabad High Court has criticized government doctors for referring patients to private hospitals for financial gain, labelling the practice as a “menace.” The court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to formulate a policy to prevent doctors in state medical services from engaging in private practice, emphasizing the need for them to prioritize patient care in public hospitals. This ruling aims to ensure that government healthcare professionals fulfil their responsibilities without the influence of monetary incentives.
Source: bit.ly/3Cy62Eg

3. A leading Indian food company has recalled four tonnes of red chilli powder after the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) ordered the action due to excessive pesticide residue levels in product samples. The company is advising customers to return the affected 200-gram packets for a full refund and is implementing stricter quality control measures with its suppliers to prevent future issues.
Source: bit.ly/3PTGhBw

4. A parliamentary panel has urged the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) to establish Price Monitoring and Resource Units (PMRUs) in all remaining states and union territories i.e. Andaman and Nicobar Island, Tamil Nadu, Delhi, Sikkim and Manipur. The initiative aims to enhance drug price monitoring and ensure the availability of essential medicines across India. Currently, PMRUs are operational in only a few regions, and expanding their reach is seen as crucial for better consumer awareness and accessibility.
Source: bit.ly/3CeopOJ

5. India’s Union Health Ministry has requested a legal opinion regarding the extension of the compliance deadline for revised Schedule M standards for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the pharmaceutical sector. The proposed final draft could grant these companies an additional 12 months to meet the new requirements, which were initially set to take effect on January 1, 2025. This extension responds to requests from MSMEs for more time to upgrade their facilities and processes.
Source: bit.ly/3EdyI62

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 Health Minister has reportedly announced reforms for increased hospital safety such as independent third-party testing of medicines supplied to state hospitals. Other proposed reforms include stricter oversight on medicine procurement, manpower increase in Maharashtra Medical Goods Procurement Agency (MMGPA) and enhanced enforcement of the Bombay Nursing Act. Plans for regulating private labs, flying squads for inspections, and public hospital makeovers with standardised designs were also announced.
Source: bit.ly/3DE8QQy

2. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has issued show cause notices under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, to Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) for failing to meet Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) obligations under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. Non-compliance includes not filing annual returns for FY 2022-23 and FY 2023-24 and falling short of EPR targets. Affected entities must respond within 7 days or face Environmental Compensation (EC) penalties and stricter enforcement measures.
Source: bit.ly/3W3Deua

3. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has released the draft second edition of the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL), inviting stakeholder suggestions by January 15, 2025. The revised list aims to enhance diagnostic services across all healthcare levels, including Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, Primary Health Centres (PHCs), and Community Health Centres (CHCs) and Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs) with a focus on underserved areas. It aligns with national health programmes and incorporates technological advancements like point-of-care testing to ensure accessibility and affordability.
Source: bit.ly/4059Qor

4. The Indian Government (Ministry of Textiles) has issued the Medical Textile (Quality Control) Amendment Order 2025. This amendment states that if the manufacturer / importer certified by the Bureau or any manufacturer / importer who has applied for certification has declared its old stock products  which are without BIS  Mark manufactured or imported before the commencement of the timeline of implementation (mentioned below) of the order, such manufacturer / importer shall be permitted to sell or display to offer to sell such declared stock up to 30th June, 2025. The key timelines are as follows: For Large and Medium Enterprises: 1st January, 2025 ; For Small and Micro Enterprises: 1st April, 2025
Source: bit.ly/4fDZi5q

5. India’s Union Health Minister has banned the manufacturing and sale of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID) drug nimesulide for animal use due to its toxicity to vultures, causing mortality through visceral gout and renal failure. The ban follows recommendations by the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and studies by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS). Safer alternatives are available, and measures to prevent misuse of the drug in humans have been proposed.
Source: bit.ly/4fOz8Nk