Health alert: Modi govt imposes BAN on 16 medicines across India due to…, Check full list of banned drugs
The banned products include certain painkillers, antibiotic combinations, muscle relaxants and some skin care products. The action has been taken under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and authorities across the country have been directed to enforce the ban strictly.
The Central Government has taken a major step to make the use of medicines in India safer and more scientific. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has banned the manufacture, sale and distribution of 16 Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) drugs with immediate effect. According to the government, these medicines lacked sufficient medical justification and their potential risks were found to outweigh their benefits. What Are Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) Drugs?Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) drugs are medicines that contain two or more active pharmaceutical ingredients combined in a fixed proportion. While some combinations can make treatment more convenient for patients, they can also pose health risks if they are not supported by strong scientific evidence. ---Advertisement---Review Conducted Following Supreme Court DirectionsThe Health Ministry said the decision was based on a detailed review carried out after directions from the Supreme Court. For this purpose, the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) formed an expert committee to examine various drug combinations. The committee assessed whether the medicines were medically necessary, scientifically justified and safe for public use. What Did the Investigation Find?After reviewing the medicines, the expert panel found that 16 drug combinations did not have a clear therapeutic justification. The ministry concluded that these medicines were not providing significant benefits to patients and could increase health-related risks. As a result, the government decided to remove them from the market. ---Advertisement---Which Medicines Have Been Banned?The banned products include certain painkillers, muscle relaxants (antispasmodics), antibiotic combinations and dermatological products. Some of the affected combinations include medicines containing Amoxicillin and Serratiopeptidase, specific formulations based on Amoxicillin and Cloxacillin, Cefadroxil and Probenecid, and combinations containing Cefuroxime and Serratiopeptidase. Skin Care and Cosmetic Products Also AffectedThe ban also covers some skin care and cosmetic products containing combinations of Aloe Vera, Vitamin E, Jojoba Oil, Orange Oil, Wheat Germ Oil, Tea Tree Oil, Allantoin and D-Panthenol. Authorities found that these combinations did not have adequate scientific support for their claimed benefits. ---Advertisement---Action Taken Under Drugs and Cosmetics ActThe government has imposed the ban under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. The Health Ministry stated that the move is aimed at ensuring patient safety and promoting the rational use of medicines. Drug controllers, regulatory authorities and enforcement agencies across all states have been directed to strictly implement the order. Manufacturers, importers and distributors have also been asked to take immediate action to comply with the ban. Experts Welcome the DecisionAccording to experts, such measures help ensure that only medicines with scientifically proven safety and effectiveness remain available in the market. They believe the decision will improve treatment quality and provide safer healthcare options for patients across the country. ---Advertisement---AdvertismentFirst published on:Jun 21, 2026 11:23 AM ISTGet Breaking News First and Latest Updates from India and around the world on News24. Follow News24 onFacebook,Twitter. End of ArticleRelated Story