The Indian government has removed cough syrups from a list of exempt medicines, effectively banning their sale in villages and small towns without a license.
The move aims to curb the production and sale of sub-par cough syrups, which have been linked to numerous deaths, particularly among children.
Reports have shown that cough syrups are being misused as a cheaper alternative to liquor and drugs, with some establishments selling them without proper licenses.
The health ministry has notified the change, which means only pharmacies can now sell cough syrups.
This decision comes after several high-profile cases of contaminated cough syrups, including one that killed at least 22 children in India last year.
The government hopes that this move will promote responsible distribution and sale of cough syrups while ensuring greater compliance with regulatory standards.
