Last Updated on March 11, 2025 by The Health Master
OTC Medicines
OTC Medicines: Imagine if you’ve got a headache or a cough.
Instead of visiting a doctor for his prescription, you could simply visit the medical store nearby and grab the medicine you need.
That’s the potential game-changer that’s brewing in India’s healthcare scene.
Word on the street is, we’re finally getting a clear list of medications that’ll be moving from prescription-only to over-the-counter medicines (OTC medicines) status, and it could happen this very month.
The Team Behind the Change
Now, this isn’t some overnight decision.
A dedicated team, led by Dr. Anupam Prakash, has been working behind the scenes, sifting through huge data and having many rounds of discussions.
Their focus is very clear: it’s all about us, the public.
Dr. Prakash put it simply: “We are bothered about the public at large and not the products.”
They’re being careful, making sure only safe, effective, commonly used medicines are given to the public of India.
Think about it. We’ve all had those moments where a minor ailment throws a wrench in our day.
The ability to grab a reliable remedy without jumping through hoops? That’s a huge win.
And it sounds like that’s exactly what these guys are aiming for.
Why Now? Filling a Long-Standing Gap
Here’s the thing: while we’ve been buying things like cough syrup and basic contraceptives over the counter for ages, India’s never had a proper rulebook for it.
Unlike places like the US or the UK, we’ve been operating in a bit of a gray area. That’s where this new list comes in.
It’s about bringing some much-needed clarity and structure to the whole OTC medicines scene.
And it’s not like they’re making these decisions in a vacuum.
They’ve been talking to everyone, i.e., drug manufacturing companies, various associations of consumer groups, and other stakeholders.
They’re trying to complete the list very soon.
What This Means for You and Me
So, what’s the big deal? Well, for starters:
- Easier Access: No more waiting for doctor’s appointments for simple stuff.
- More Convenience: Grabbing medicines at the local store? That’s a time saver.
- Taking Charge of Our Health: We can handle minor issues ourselves, which frees up doctors for the serious stuff.
Of course, with more freedom comes more responsibility. We’ll need to be smart about how we use these OTC medicines.
But hey, that’s what public awareness campaigns are for, right?
What are ITC medicines ?
Basically, it’s stuff you can buy without a doctor’s slip. Think of it like the difference between grabbing a snack and needing a full-on meal.
When are we actually going to see this list?
They’re saying “soon,” and the word is this month. So, fingers crossed!
Disclaimer: This article contains information obtained from the source mentioned below. Our team made changes in the format to rewrite and present the news or article in a unique format.
Disclaimer: The information we have provided is for general knowledge and for informational purpose only and it cannot be treated as medical advice. Always consult your doctor for any health issues and / or for the treatment of the same. The Health Master does not claim responsibility for this information.
Over the Counter (OTC) Drug Revolution: New List Coming Soon
OTC sale of MTP Kits banned: Karnataka
CDSCO Forms Committee to Review OTC Drugs in India
Drug Regulators evaluates list of OTC Medicines
Proposed Sale of OTC Drugs in General Stores Raises Concerns from Chemists
Drug recall: Glenmark recalls 15 lakh bottles of this Drug
Karnataka’s new NSQ Drug Recall Policy
New Drug Approval: DCGI Demands Uniformity
FSSAI: Food Labelling and Display – Chapter-15
Workshop on NDPS to combat the misuse of drugs: FDA Haryana
No More Discount Boards at Pharmacies: Punjab
Call for National Drug Quality Alert System
USFDA issues warning letter to Jagsonpal Pharmaceuticals
NPPA revised retail price of 1 new formulation: February 2025
For informative videos by The Health Master, click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on Medical Store / Pharmacy, click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on the news regarding Pharma / Medical Devices / Cosmetics / Homoeopathy etc., click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on consumer awareness, click on the below YouTube icon:
