Government will not compromise in matters concerning public health: Arti Singh Rao

Chandigarh, January 2026 — Haryana Health Minister Arti Singh Rao stated that the manufacture, sale and distribution of all oral formulations for human use containing more than 100 mg of Nimesulide in Immediate Release dosage form have been banned with immediate effect in Haryana. The primary objective of this decision is to protect people from potential adverse effects and to ensure that only safe and approved medicines are used in the state. She clearly stated that the government will not compromise in any manner when it comes to public health.

The Health Minister said that this decision has been taken entirely keeping in view the interest and safety of the people. Medicines are meant to provide relief to patients, not to endanger their health. When scientific evidence points towards risks associated with a medicine and safer alternatives are available, it becomes the government’s duty to take firm decisions in public interest.

She further informed that the Health Department has issued strict instructions to drug manufacturers, wholesale and retail distributors, chemists, and medical stores to comply with this ban. Regular inspections and monitoring mechanisms have also been put in place, and strict action will be taken against violators.

The Health Minister also appealed to doctors and healthcare professionals to prescribe safe alternative medicines strictly in accordance with prescribed medical guidelines and to provide correct information to patients.

State Drugs Controller Sh. Lalit Kumar Goyal stated that giving priority to public health, the state has effectively implemented the notification issued by the Government of India, under which the manufacture, sale, and distribution of all oral formulations containing more than 100 mg of Nimesulide in Immediate Release dosage form have been prohibited.

He said that after an in-depth evaluation of scientific evidence and consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board, the Government of India concluded that oral medicines containing more than 100 mg of Nimesulide could pose risks to human health, while safer alternatives are available. In line with this, the Haryana Government has implemented the notification without any delay.

By promptly enforcing the Central Government’s notification, the Haryana Government has once again demonstrated its firm commitment to taking science-based decisions and protecting the health of the people.