NMC issues advisory to doctors on prescribing WADA-prohibited substances, calls for anti-doping awareness in medical education

New Delhi: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has asked all medical colleges, hospitals and doctors to be cautious while prescribing medicines to athletes, as many drugs contain substances banned under the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List and may lead to anti-doping violations.

In a public notice issued on February 20, 2026, the NMC stated that the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports had requested it to spread awareness about doping in sports. The Ministry referred to the prohibited list issued by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and requested that appropriate advisories/guidelines be provided to Medical Colleges, Hospitals, and Registered Medical Practitioners to sensitise them on anti-doping regulations, particularly while treating athletes.

Accordingly, the apex medical regulator directed the Deans and Principals of all medical colleges and institutions, along with Registrars of State Medical Councils across States and Union Territories, to ensure that doctors prescribe medicines to athletes responsibly.

It stressed that medicines containing WADA-prohibited substances should be prescribed only when medically necessary and properly documented, so that athletes do not unintentionally violate anti-doping rules.

NMC further stated that the integration of basic anti-doping awareness into medical education and continuing professional development programmes may be considered where feasible.

Quoting the Ministry’s D.O. letter dated February 6, 2026, the notice stated, "With an intent to enhance awareness of the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) prohibited list, the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, in their D.O. letter No. D /1 / 2026-SPO dated the 06th February, 2026 (copy attached), has requested to issue appropriate advisories/guidelines to Medical Colleges, Hospitals, and Registered Medical Practitioners so as to sensitize them on anti-doping regulations, particularly while treating athletes; and to encourage prudent and responsible prescription practices so that medicines containing WADA-prohibited substances are prescribed only when medically justified and properly documented. Further, the integration of basic anti-doping awareness into medical education and continuing professional development programmes may be considered where feasible," the notice mentioned. 

It further added, "In view of the above, all Medical Colleges / Institutions are hereby requested to follow the contents of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports' D.O. letter and to support the initiative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to tackle the factors contributing to doping in Sports."

Ministry’s D.O. Letter

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports urged the NMC to issue appropriate advisories or guidelines to medical colleges, hospitals, and registered medical practitioners to enhance awareness of the WADA Prohibited List following the increasing menace of doping in sports in the country.

"Certain prescription drugs with potential for misuse in sports, including medicines that are prohibited under the WADA Code as well as products that have not been approved by CDSCO, or are prescription or banned drugs, are being readily dispensed and made available through formal and informal channels without adequate regulatory enforcement. It has also been observed with concern that some imported substances, particularly dietary supplements, have been found to be contaminated with prohibited ingredients. In addition, some imported drugs and supplements appear to be easily accessible to athletes through online platforms, social media, and YouTube, where they are being promoted and sold.

In this context, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) may consider reinforcing regulatory supervision over prescription drugs that are susceptible to misuse in sports, implementing stricter controls on the manufacture, distribution, and dispensing of medicines containing substances listed in the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) Prohibited List, and establishing a formal mechanism for information sharing with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS). Similarly, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) may enhance surveillance of dietary supplements and sports nutrition products marketed to athletes and fitness enthusiasts, take stringent enforcement action against manufacturers and sellers of adulterated, mislabelled, or non-compliant supplements, and formulate clearer labelling standards for sports supplements, including explicit disclosure of ingredients that may be prohibited for athletes," mentioned the DO. 

Following this, the Department of Health and Family Welfare wrote to the NMC asking it to examine the matter and take appropriate action. The Department also sought an Action Taken Report confirming compliance with the Ministry’s directions.

To view the NMC notice, click on the link below

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