Govt Panel Drops Plan to Ban Ads on Schedule G Drugs, Cites Alternative Approach
New Delhi: The Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has decided to withdraw the draft notification proposing a ban on advertisements of drugs listed under Schedule G of the Drugs Rules, 1945, following detailed deliberations on the matter.
The Drug Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), in its 93rd meeting held on 16 February 2026 at FDA Bhawan, Kotla Road, New Delhi in hybrid mode, deliberated on the proposal to prohibit advertisements of drugs specified under Schedule G of the Drugs Rules, 1945, and decided to withdraw the earlier draft notification on the matter.
During the deliberations, the Board was apprised of the proposal to amend the Drugs Rules, 1945 to prohibit advertisements of Schedule G drugs.
Schedule G (Cautionary Drugs)
Includes drugs that require medical supervision but are not strictly restricted to prescription-only sale.Must carry the label warning:“Caution: It is dangerous to take this preparation except under medical supervision.”These drugs can still be available without strict prescription control in some cases, but their use must be guided by a qualified practitioner.
Schedule H (Prescription Drugs)
Covers drugs that can be sold only on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner.Retail sale without a valid prescription is prohibited.Labels must display the symbol “Rx” and the warning:“Schedule H drug – Warning: To be sold by retail on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner only.”Advertising of these drugs to the general public is not permitted under existing regulations.
Board noted that DTAB in its 92nd meeting dated 24.04.2025 has already recommended that all drugs mentioned under Schedule G shall be shifted to Schedule H Drugs for better regulatory control.
DTAB after deliberation agreed with the proposal to withdraw the draft notification published vide G.S.R. 375(E) dated 10.07.2024 to prohibit the advertisements of drugs specified in Schedule G as once these drugs are shifted to Schedule H, the issue will get addressed automatically.
