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New Delhi, May 28, 2025:
In a significant move to safeguard public health, the Central Government has issued a draft notification proposing a ban on the import, manufacture, sale, and distribution of 34 antimicrobials and antivirals for use in animals. The proposal, published in Gazette Notification S.O. 2298(E) dated May 22, 2025, is based on concerns over the risk these drugs pose to humans, particularly the threat of antimicrobial resistance.
Details of the Proposed Ban
The draft notification, issued under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, follows recommendations from the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB). The DTAB concluded that the use of these drugs in animals could endanger human health and noted that safer veterinary alternatives are available.
The list includes a range of antibiotics, antivirals, and antiprotozoals, such as:
Antibiotics:
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Ureidopenicillins
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Ceftobiprole
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Ceftaroline
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Siderophore cephalosporins
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Carbapenems
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Penems
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Monobactams
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Glycopeptides
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Lipopeptides
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Oxazolidinones
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Fidaxomicin
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Plazomicin
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Glycylcyclines
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Eravacycline
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Omadacycline
Antivirals:
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Amantadine
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Baloxavir marboxil
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Celgosivir
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Favipiravir
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Galidesivir
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Lactimidomycin
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Laninamivir
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Methisazone/Metisazone
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Molnupiravir
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Nitazoxanide
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Oseltamivir
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Peramivir
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Ribavirin
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Rimantadine
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Tizoxanide
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Triazavirin
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Umifenovir
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Zanamivir
Antiprotozoals:
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Nitazoxanide
Rationale and Next Steps
The government stated that the use of these drugs in animals is “likely to involve risk to humans,” especially as antimicrobial resistance continues to be a growing global health concern. The notification also highlights that there are safer alternatives available for veterinary use.
Stakeholders and members of the public have been invited to submit objections or suggestions regarding the proposed ban within 30 days of the notification’s publication. Submissions can be made to the Under Secretary (Drugs), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, either by post or via email at [email protected].
The DTAB is also seeking further reports on three specific antimicrobials before making a final decision on their inclusion in the ban.
Background
The overuse and misuse of antimicrobials in animals is a recognized driver of antimicrobial resistance, which poses a significant threat to human health worldwide. By restricting the use of these drugs in animals, the government aims to curb the spread of resistant infections and preserve the effectiveness of critical medicines.
Disclaimer:
This article is based on information reported by Medical Dialogues on May 22, 2025. The proposed ban is currently in the draft stage and subject to change following stakeholder feedback and further government review. For the latest updates and official notifications, please refer to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare or consult the original Medical Dialogues article.
