The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has officially clarified that there is no ban on paracetamol in India, dismissing circulating rumours on social media. While certain combinations containing paracetamol have been banned in recent years, the drug itself continues to remain available and approved for use. Authorities also reiterated ongoing efforts to control medicine pricing and ensure availability through public health schemes and digital drug supply chains.

Key highlights

No ban on standalone paracetamol

• Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) confirmed no reports of a paracetamol ban.

• Clarification issued amid misinformation circulating on public platforms.

• Only certain fixed-dose combinations involving paracetamol are restricted, not the drug itself.

Government monitors drug pricing through NPPA

• Paracetamol and other drugs listed under National List of Essential Medicines (NLEM) are subject to price caps under DPCO, 2013.

• NPPA revises ceiling prices annually based on the wholesale price index.

• Non-scheduled formulations can’t exceed 10% annual price hike.

Support for essential medicines in public healthcare

• Under the Free Drugs Service Initiative, states receive funding to supply free essential drugs in public hospitals and rural health centres.

• The DVDMS system tracks availability and procurement at health centres down to the sub-health level.

• States can customize their Essential Medicines List based on local needs, with a core list ranging from 106 to 381 drugs per facility tier.

Medical Stores Organization ensures timely drug supply

• MSO/GMSDs have active contracts for 697 drug formulations across India.

• 1,152 registered government healthcare facilities procure medicines via the MSO-DVDMS platform quarterly.

The Centre’s clarification puts to rest widespread speculation about the banning of paracetamol, confirming that the drug remains legally approved and widely used across India. Authorities continue to focus on improving access to essential medicines through regulated pricing, public distribution systems, and robust procurement monitoring. Citizens are advised to verify health-related information from official government sources to avoid panic caused by misinformation.