Atul Goel Panel to Finalize List of OTC Drugs for Sale at General Stores

April 23, 2024

Government has set up a three-member committee of gynecologists to finalize a list of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs that will be available for sale at general stores without the need for a prescription. The committee, chaired by the Directorate General of Health Services Atul Goel, aims to complete the list within two weeks. This initiative is part of India’s new OTC policy for drugs, which seeks to reduce treatment costs and promote self-care while ensuring safety.

Key Objectives

Improve accessibility to commonly used medicines, especially in rural areas
Reduce treatment costs for citizens
Promote responsible self-care practices
Ensure safety and efficacy of OTC drugs

Current Status of OTC Drugs in India

India currently lacks a clear policy to regulate the distribution, marketing, and consumption of OTC drugs.
Commonly used medicines for cough, cold, and contraceptives are often sold over the counter without proper guidelines.
The Drugs & Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945, do not define OTC medicines.

Criteria for Inclusion in OTC List

The list of OTC drugs will be based on the following factors:

Evidence of safety
Availability
Non-habit-forming nature
Suitability for self-medication

About The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB)

The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare that advises the Central and State governments on technical matters related to drugs and cosmetics.

Established under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
Comprises experts from various fields such as medicine, pharmaceuticals, and chemistry
Recommends measures to ensure safety, efficacy, and quality of drugs and cosmetics
Advises on matters related to import, manufacture, distribution, and sale of drugs and cosmetics
Plays a crucial role in shaping India’s drug regulatory policies
- Many countries, such as the United States, United Kingdom, and China, have well-established guidelines for the classification, use, and regulation of OTC medicines.
- The global OTC drugs market is expected to reach $178.8 billion by 2026, with a CAGR of 6.1% from 2021 to 2026.
- In India, the OTC drugs market is estimated to be worth $7.8 billion as of 2022, with a projected CAGR of 9.2% from 2022 to 2027.

However, it is crucial to ensure that proper guidelines and regulations are in place to maintain the safety and efficacy of the drugs included in the OTC list.

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