New Delhi: In response to increasing calls for stricter safety and quality standards in medical products, the Central Government is set to introduce a comprehensive law aimed at regulating medical devices, drugs, and cosmetics more rigorously.
The proposed legislation, titled the Drugs, Medical Devices and Cosmetics Act, 2025, seeks to strengthen quality testing protocols and improve monitoring mechanisms for products both produced and sold in India, as well as those intended for export.
Concerns over the quality of Indian pharmaceuticals have been repeatedly raised by global health bodies, including the World Health Organization (WHO). These concerns have been a significant driving force behind the drafting of this new law, intended to curb lapses and ensure higher compliance with international standards.
The draft bill was unveiled by Dr. Rajiv Raghuvanshi, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), during a high-level meeting convened by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Tuesday. Senior officials from the DCGI and the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) presented the framework and key provisions of the proposed act during the session.
This initiative follows recent tragic incidents, including the deaths of several children in Madhya Pradesh linked to contaminated cough syrup, underscoring the urgent need for stricter oversight.
Once enacted, the law will empower CDSCO officials with statutory authority to enforce rigorous quality checks and continuous market surveillance, aiming to ensure the safety and efficacy of medicines, medical devices, and cosmetic products across the country.
