India proposes requiring prior approval from the central government for prescription drug advertisements, including those for medicines to treat high blood pressure and diabetes

In a draft notification issued on September 28, India’s Ministry of Health proposed adding a provision to Rule 65 of the Drugs Rules, 1945, requiring prior approval from the central government for advertisements of prescription drugs in Schedules H, H1 and X, including medicines for infections, high blood pressure and diabetes. The public and interested parties may submit objections and suggestions within 30 days of the notification’s publication in the Gazette. The government will consider the comments before making a final decision.