Health Ministry Notifies Schedule H2 Expansion: QR Code Traceability for Vaccines, Antimicrobials & Anti-Cancer Drugs by 2027-28

Union Health Ministry Mandates CCTV at Medical Stores for Schedule H, H1, X Drug Sales; 3-Month Recordings

The Union Health Ministry has proposed mandatory CCTV installation at medical stores selling prescription and habit-forming drugs (Schedule H, H1, X) to curb unauthorized sale and drug abuse, especially among children. Chemists oppose citing cost, privacy, and rural connectivity issues. The move involves CDSCO and the Drugs Consultative Committee.

Health Ministry Amends Drugs Rules, 1945: New Debarment Power for Fake Data Cases

The Health Ministry has strengthened the Drugs Rules, 1945 to penalize applicants who submit fake data for drug approvals. Previously, only rejection/cancellation was possible; now licensing authorities can debar entities from filing new applications for a period, with show-cause notice and appeal provisions. This is crucial for exam questions on regulatory frameworks, pharmaceutical governance, and the Drugs & Cosmetics Act.

Health Ministry Proposes Mandatory CCTV at Retail Pharmacies for Schedule H, H1, X Drugs with 3-Month Recording Retention

The Health Ministry has proposed mandatory installation of CCTV cameras at retail medical stores to track sale of prescription drugs under Schedules H, H1, and X. Recordings must be preserved for 3 months. This regulatory reform is crucial for students to understand drug classification and governance in the health sector.

India's Exclusive Breastfeeding Rate Drops to 55.8% in NFHS-6, Reversing NFHS-5 Gains

India's exclusive breastfeeding rate for infants under six months has declined to 55.8% in NFHS-6 (2023-24), reversing the gains from NFHS-5 (63.7%). The decline varies by state, with Haryana and Uttar Pradesh seeing the steepest drops. The article explores potential causes: reduced postnatal support, rising C-section rates (27.2%), and women's return to work. This is a key data point for UPSC prelims and a case study for mains on maternal and child health policy.

Parliamentary Panel Recommends Annual CKD Screening, Free eGFR Test with Serum Creatinine

A Parliamentary Standing Committee has proposed that every serum creatinine test automatically include an eGFR report at no extra cost to boost early CKD detection. The report flags a 13.24% CKD prevalence in India, urges annual screening for high-risk groups, and calls for home-based peritoneal dialysis expansion in rural areas.

CDSCO Flags 17 Differences in Spurious Abhayrab Rabies Vaccine Batch KE25012

A raid in Delhi’s Mukherjee Nagar exposed a fake rabies vaccine racket selling spurious Abhayrab vials. CDSCO flagged 17 differences in the counterfeit batch, raising serious public health concerns given India’s high rabies death burden. The case underscores the need for stringent drug regulation and supply chain vigilance.

FSSAI Names USL, Inbrew for Adding Flavours Violating Alcoholic Beverages Regulations 2018

FSSAI has issued notices to major liquor manufacturers like United Spirits and Inbrew for adding flavours that mimic the natural profile of alcoholic beverages, violating the 2018 regulations. This crackdown highlights the regulator's strict stance on food safety and labelling norms, crucial for exams on consumer protection and regulatory bodies.

FSSAI Proposes Ban on Analogue Paneer, Bans Use of 'Paneer' in Labelling

FSSAI has proposed a draft amendment to prohibit the sale of paneer made from non-milk constituents (analogue paneer) and require existing analogues to drop the word 'paneer' from their labelling. This aims to prevent consumer deception, especially at restaurants, and protect the nutritional expectations of vegetarians who rely on paneer as a protein source.