India's health ministry proposes requiring pharmacies and distributors to get approval for prescription-drug ads

The Economic Times reports that India’s Union health ministry has proposed requiring retailers, wholesalers and distributors to get central government approval before advertising prescription drugs. Manufacturers already need approval to advertise medicines covered by Schedules H, H1 and X. The ministry says the change aims to curb unauthorized promotion and inappropriate self-medication. It has invited feedback within 30 days of the draft notification becoming available.