Prescription not required for 16 medicines including paracetamol for five days; Centre issues draft notification

NEW DELHI: The Union Ministry of Health has issued a draft notification to amend the rules so that 16 medicines, including paracetamol for five days, can be purchased from medical stores without a doctor's prescription. The goal is to ensure the availability of commonly used medications.

The list includes Povidone-iodine (antiseptic), Chlorhexidine mouthwash (for gum disease), Clotrimazole (anti-fungal cream), dextromethorphan hydrobromide lozenges (cough), diclofenac oil (analgesic), benzoyl peroxide (for skin diseases), Diphenhydramine capsules (for allergies), medicines for nasal congestion and medicines for constipation. However, experts are saying that the list is incomplete without medicines such as ORS.

The Union health ministry has proposed changes to the Drugs Regulation Act, 1945, for the purpose, with certain conditions including that treatment with the medicine in question should not continue for over five days. In case the symptoms do not settle, the patient must consult a doctor.