Delhi High Court quashes Centre’s decision to ban 344 fixed dose combination medicines

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: In a major relief to the pharma companies, the Delhi High Court on Thursday set aside the Central government's decision to ban 344 fixed dose combination medicines.

Earlier in March, the Health Ministry had banned 344 fixed drug combinations through a gazette notification, including well known brands like Corex cough syrup, Vicks Action 500 extra and D'Cold.

The high court said that Centre went about in haphazard manner while banning the 344 FDCs.

It is said that a total of 454 petitions were filed by the drug and healthcare companies before the high court challenging the Centre's decision.

The court pronounced its verdict after hearing pleas of pharma and healthcare companies, including Pfizer, Glenmark, Procter and Gamble and Cipla, the central government and some NGOs like All India Drug Action Network (AIDAN).