The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a new rule requiring a doctor's prescription for the purchase of all cough syrups in India. Lozenges, pills, and tablets for cough remain available over the counter without a prescription. According to the Indian Express, all cough syrups, including those containing opioids such as codeine, are now subject to the prescription requirement. The amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945, was finalized after considering public and stakeholder feedback, according to the Times of India. The draft guidelines for the rule were released in December of the previous year, inviting stakeholder comments, as reported by the Indian Express. The Indian Express reported that the move follows a series of cases involving contaminated cough syrups in India and other countries that led to child deaths. In one instance cited by the Indian Express, children in Rajasthan died after consuming cough syrups not intended for young children.