New Delhi, Aug. 4 -- The Centre has proposed making blue-strip labels mandatory on all antimicrobial medicines to help pharmacists identify them easily and encourage their responsible use, as part of efforts to tackle the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The proposal was shared in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday by Minister of State for Health Prataprao Jadhav, who said the government has taken several coordinated steps to address the public health challenge.

In a written reply, Jadhav said a draft notification to amend the Drugs Rules, 1945, was issued on January 21, 2026. The proposed amendment introduces blue-strip labelling for antimicrobial medicines to make them easier to identify at pharmacy counters and promote their judicious use. He said the government is implementing the National Action Plan on AMR (NAP-AMR) 2.0, under which surveillance systems tracking antimicrobial resistance and antimicrobial consumption have 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 targeting all stakeholders to promote rational and judicious use of antimicrobials," Jadhav said.

The minister said the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) regulates the safety, efficacy and quality of medicines under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, while State Licensing Authorities oversee the sale and distribution of drugs under the Drugs Rules, 1945.

Jadhav also reminded the House that antibiotics are classified under Schedule H and Schedule H1 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules and can be sold only against the prescription of a registered medical practitioner.

To strengthen enforcement, the Centre has advised all States and Union Territories to carry out regular prescription audits in public health facilities. The CDSCO has also issued notices and advisories directing strict compliance with regulatory provisions to prevent the misuse of antibiotics, the government said.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.