The Economic Times

Health ministry issues proposal for one-year residual shelf life for imported drugs

The Union Health Ministry is proposing to relax import rules for medicines, requiring a minimum 12-month shelf life upon arrival instead of the current 60% of total shelf life. This move aims to simplify business operations and ensure medicine availability. The change, however, will not affect specialized drugs like biologicals and radiopharmaceuticals. Officials believe this will cut down wastage and improve inventory management, ultimately benefiting patients.