The central government is planning to introduce new guidelines to monitor the supply and distribution chain of codeine-based cough syrups (CBCSs). At present, the government has introduced rules for distributors and retailers to ensure that the syrups do not reach unofficial outlets such as paan shops.

An official at the Indian Drug Manufacturers′ Association (IDMA) stated that they have requested the central government to not ban codeine-based cough syrups but to make its supply stricter. Codeine is used by medical professionals to treat coughs, and manufacturers get a quota from the government.

According to the official data, the total consumption of codeine phosphate was reported to be around 1.50 lakh kg while the amount seized by CBCS was around 21.5 kg in the last three years. This means that only 0.014% of the amount consumed was seized.

In 2015, codeine was categorized as an essential narcotic drug under the rules of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act.

The official at IDMA added that new guidelines will be introduced to control the misuse of codeine cough syrups. If an unauthorized person is caught selling it, the authorities will hold the distributor who sold the syrup to that person responsible. Also, doctors may be told to write prescriptions with clear instructions about codeine.

Mr. Jashvant Patel, president of the Federation of Gujarat State Chemists and Druggists Association, added that most retail chemists obey the rules because the regulations come under the authority of the NDPS Act, but there are some leaks in supply chains reaching unauthorized persons. He further added that codeine monitoring should be more stringent to ensure it is not misused. 

(Source: https://health.economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/pharma/codeine-cough-syrup-rules-may-get-tighter/94753093 )