The Centre is considering tightening regulations governing sales of cough syrups after a series of children's deaths in Madhya Pradesh due to a contaminated formulation sparked nationwide outrage. Sources have told India Today TV that the central drugs controller is considering a proposal to remove cough syrups from the list of medicines that can be sold freely without a licence, effectively making them available only after a doctor’s prescription.

At present, cough syrups fall under Schedule K -- a category meant for daily, low-risk medical products that can be sold even in villages without requiring a full drug-sale licence. The list includes items such as syrups, lozenges, pills, and tablets to manage coughs as well as liniments, bandages, absorbent cotton, adhesive plasters, tincture

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