New Delhi, Sep 14 - India Monday decided to allow 'restricted sale' of Tamiflu in open market to combat the spread of swine flu that has claimed more than 190 lives, health ministry official said.

'After a meeting of top health officials, it was decided that Tamiflu will be sold in public but only in restricted chemist shops,' a health ministry official told IANS.

'At least 480 chemists have been given permission for the purpose. A detailed notification will disseminate Tuesday,' he added.

While some countries have already allowed Tamiflu sales in open, India so far stayed away from such a decision. 'The situation is under control and it's not the time to sale it open market,' was the justification an official offered earlier.

Minister of State for Health Dinesh Trivedi told IANS Aug 27: 'If the situation demands, we will allow restricted sale of Tamiflu.'

India reported its first case of influenza A(H1N1) virsus in early May from Hyderabad and since then the country has reported around 6,400 cases. At least 191 people have died due to this contagious virus in the country.