Govt proposes blue-strip labelling for antimicrobial medicines to curb misuse
The government has proposed mandatory blue-strip labelling for all antimicrobial medicines to facilitate their easy identification at pharmacy counters and promote judicious use, as part of efforts to tackle the growing challenge of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav said on Tuesday, August 4.
In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Jadhav said the government was aware of the growing challenge of AMR and had undertaken several strategic and coordinated measures across sectors to address the public health concern.
He said a draft notification was issued on January 21 this year to amend the Drugs Rules, 1945, incorporating provisions for blue-strip labelling of antimicrobial medicines.
"A draft notification was issued on 21.01.2026 for amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, containing provisions for blue-strip labelling of antimicrobial medicines to facilitate their easy identification and promote their judicious use," Jadhav said.
Jadhav said that under the National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR) 2.0, surveillance systems for antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial consumption had been strengthened across the human, animal, food and environment sectors.
"The plan promotes antimicrobial stewardship programmes in healthcare settings and prioritises behaviour change communication and public awareness campaigns to encourage rational use of antimicrobials," he said, adding that it also targeted all stakeholders to promote rational and judicious use of antimicrobials.
The minister said the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) regulates the safety, efficacy and quality of drugs under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, while the sale and distribution of drugs are regulated by State Licensing Authorities under the Drugs Rules, 1945.
According to the minister's reply, antibiotics fall under Schedule H and Schedule H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules and can be sold only on the prescription of a registered medical practitioner.
States and Union Territories have been advised to conduct regular prescription audits in public health facilities, while the CDSCO has issued notices and advisories to ensure strict compliance with regulatory provisions against misuse of antibiotics, the minister said.
(With inputs from PTI)
