(a) whether many of the Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines do not have expiry dates on their labels;
(b) if so, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government has made it compulsory to display expiry dates of these medicines;
(d) if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the time by which it is likely to be implemented?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI S. GANDHISELVAN)
(a) to (e): Rule 161 of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 pertaining to labeling requirements of Ayurveda,
Siddha and Unani medicines has been amended w.e.f. 01/04/2010. Under this amendment, Rule 161-B (1) has been
inserted, which inter-alia states that “The date of expiry of Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicines shall be
conspicuously displayed on the label of container or package of an Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicine and
after the said date of expiry, these medicines shall not be in circulationâ€.