HYDERABAD: The Drugs Controller General (DCA) in Telangana has seized certain Ayurvedic medicines from the market for having misleading claims on their labels.
The medicines seized include those labelled as “Triphala Guggul Tablets” and “Ashwagandhi Reya”, which are advertised as treatments for obesity and depression-related anxiety respectively.
Case Details
On Saturday, DCA officials conducted raids in different districts and targeted medical stores and retail outlets selling these medicines.
The first product, Triphala Guggul tablets, manufactured by the Siddha Ayurveda Research Foundation, was found in a medicine shop at Chhotupal in Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district. The labelling of the product claimed it could treat obesity, which the DCA found to be misleading.
Similarly, Ashwagandhadi Lekhiya, manufactured by Manfur Ayurvedic Drugs Ltd, Vijayawada, was found in a medicine shop in Silcilla. The product claims to relieve depression and associated anxiety, another claim prohibited under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
Legal framework and actions
The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertising) Act, 1954 bans the advertising of medicines that purport to treat certain diseases or disorders, including obesity and mental disorders such as depression.
The law aims to protect the public from being misled by false claims and ensure that only scientifically proven treatments are promoted.
Narcotics Controller J Ashwin Kumar, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri and Narcotics Controller LRD Bhavani, Sirishira led the investigation. DCA said further investigations will be conducted and legal action will be taken against those found to have violated the law. Violators of this law can be sentenced to a maximum of six months imprisonment, fine or both.
Official Recommendation
DCA encourages the public to report any suspected drug-related illegal activities, including manufacturing of narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances in residential, commercial or industrial areas. Reports can be made through DCA’s toll-free number 1800-599-6969, available weekdays from 10:30 am to 5:00 pm.
Telangana Drugs Controller General VB Kamalasan Reddy IPS, in an official statement, stressed the importance of adhering to the law and preventing misleading advertisements. He said the authorities remain vigilant in monitoring the market and taking necessary steps to safeguard public health.
