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After Centre, Haryana bans high-dose Nimesulide: ‘Govt won’t compromise on public health under any circumstances’

A senior Haryana Government officer said the decision to ban Nimesulide was “not sudden, and followed a thorough evaluation of safety evidence and expert consultations”.

This comes in the wake of at least 22 children dying in Madhya Pradesh after consuming contaminated cough syrupsExplaining the reason for the state government's decision, a senior officer said it was “not sudden, and followed a thorough evaluation of safety evidence and expert consultations”. (AI generated image)

A day after the Centre banned the manufacture, sale, and distribution of Nimesulide in all oral “immediate release” formulations above 100 mg, saying it poses a health risk, the Haryana Government Thursday also imposed similar restrictions on the common pain and fever medication.

Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao said the government “will not compromise on public health under any circumstances”.

“The ban was implemented solely in the interest of people’s safety. Medicines are meant to heal, not harm. When scientific evidence highlights potential risks and safer alternatives are available, it becomes the government’s responsibility to act firmly,” Rao said.

She added that “strict instructions have been issued to drug manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, chemists, and medical stores to ensure full compliance”.

Also Read | Nimesulide over 100 mg banned, cough syrup counter sale may stop

“Regular inspections and monitoring mechanisms are already in place, and violations will invite stringent action. I would also urge doctors and healthcare professionals to prescribe safer alternative medicines strictly in accordance with medical guidelines and to educate patients appropriately”.

Lalit Kumar Goyal, Drugs Controller, Haryana, said the ban follows the Centre’s notification, which prohibits oral formulations containing more than 100 mg of Nimesulide, following an in-depth review of scientific evidence and consultations with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB).

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“Such formulations could pose risks to human health, especially when safer options are available. By promptly enforcing the Centre’s notification, the Haryana government has reaffirmed its commitment to science-based policymaking and safeguarding the health of its citizens,” said Goyal.

Explaining the reason for the state government’s decision, a senior officer said it was “not sudden, and followed a thorough evaluation of safety evidence and expert consultations”.

“The Board examined studies and reports indicating that higher-dose immediate-release Nimesulide may increase the risk of adverse effects, particularly when used improperly or for extended periods,” said the officer.

“The notification issued by GoI also made it clear that state governments are required to enforce the ban strictly, ensuring compliance by manufacturers, distributors, chemists, and medical stores. States were expected to act promptly to prevent the continued circulation of prohibited formulations,” the officer added.

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