New Delhi, Sept. 27 -- India has strengthened medical and public health requirements for ships. Indian vessels carrying more than 100 people, including crew, must now have a qualified doctor on board.
The new rules also set detailed standards for medicines, emergency medical supplies, and infectious disease response at sea.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways has notified the Merchant Shipping (Medicines, Medical Stores, Appliances and Medical Officers) Rules, 2026, replacing regulations dating back to 1961 and 1994. The rules were issued under the Merchant Shipping Act, 2025 and came into force on publication in the Official Gazette.
Under the new rules, every Indian ship carrying more than 100 people, including crew, must hav...