Health Minister has banned about 344 fixed-dose combination drugs, along with cough syrups compositions, saying they involve "risk" to humans and safer alternatives were handy in market.

HM official said, "Altogether 344 such fixed-dose combinations have been banned. We have tried to bring objectivity to the issue by roping in the best of scientists to study the effects. Show cause notices were also issued to more than 344 companies and they were given time to make further representations after the expert committee gave their recommendations,"

They also said"Some of them did not even care to respond. Everybody was given ample opportunity. After that, the move was initiated. It was done after much examination,"

Central government appointed an examine committee of experts to examine the following matter, as per the notification said.

The notification said,“On the basis of recommendations of the said expert committee, the Central government is satisfied that it is necessary and expedient in the public interest to regulate by way of the prohibition of manufacture for sale, sale and distribution for human use of the said drugs in the country,"

On Monday,Pfizer said in a BSE filing,"This is to inform you that the Government of India vide notification...dated March 10, 2016...has prohibited the manufacture for sale, sale and distribution of fixed dose combination of Chlopheniramine Maleate + Codeine Syrup with immediate effect. In view of this, the company has discontinued the manufacture and sale of its drug Corex with immediate effect,"