The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has recommended the inclusion of all antibiotics in the definition of new drugs in the New Drugs and Clinical Trial (NDCT) Rules, 2019.
It aims to curbing the growing anti-microbial resistance which is now recognised as a public health threat globally.
The board is also looking at amending the labelling requirements under the Drugs Rules, 1945 and adding a blue strip or box for antimicrobial products.
It has recommended that no antimicrobials should be sold by the traders to the non-pharmaceutical industries who do not hold requisite licences.
DTAB is the highest statutory decision-making body on technical matters related to drugs in the country.