This comes in the wake of controversy over Patanjali’s misleading advertisements, which prompted the Supreme Court to demand a public apology. The ministry, which News18 accessed, said it was not providing evidence, including displaying a “green logo” claiming to be “100% vegetarian” or falsely stating that the drug was “approved or approved.” Made no claims or statements regarding the product that display false information. Certified by the Minister. ”
The ministry details all laws and regulations covering misleading advertisements in the country and urges manufacturers to “strictly adhere” to labeling regulations and advertisements for Ayurvedic, Unani, Siddha and homeopathic medicines. asked.
“Misleading claims or advertisements in any form or platform may result in legal action by the competent authorities,” the advisory said.
The ministry has directed state drug licensing authorities to inspect all medicines that claim to be “certified or approved by the Ministry of Ayush” on their labels or advertisements to ensure compliance. “The Ministry of Ayush has been informed that some drug manufacturers in the Ministry of Ayush have included ‘certified or approved by the Ministry of Ayush’ on the labels of their medicines and products or in advertisements in print and electronic media,” the ministry said. said.
The ministry has clarified that it has no role in granting manufacturing licenses or approvals for Ayush medicines or products, but any future such claims on labels or advertisements will “ultimately result in the agency being identified as the manufacturer.” “This will trigger legal action against those who do so.” Ayush”.
Actions against false claims
This advisory states that products that claim to be “100% safe,” “no side effects,” “certain treatment,” “permanent cure,” or products that claim that Ayush medicines and products have value as nutritional supplements are false. said. It further added that the approval by the State Drug Licensing Board “should not be construed as an approval by the Ministry of Ayush”.
It further said that licenses issued by state authorities are only permissions to manufacture or sell specific medicines or products, subject to fulfillment of conditions under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
This advisory has been communicated to several authorities including all Ayush State Drug Licensing Authorities and requested to forward a copy to all licensees under their jurisdiction. Also marked are all Ayush pharmaceutical companies and their associations.
This information was also sent to the National Pharmacovigilance Coordination Center, which monitors and designs the safety profile of medicines, including issuing warnings, in case medicines report new side effects. The Center has been asked to “ensure that any such claims of approval or certification by the Ministry of Ayush are reported to the concerned National Licensing Authority on the intimate knowledge of the Ministry of Ayush”.
List of laws punishing manufacturers
The other half of this recommendation refers to several laws that have provisions for the labeling of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani (ASU) medicines. “Furthermore, Regulation 106A of the Drugs and Cosmetic Products Rules, 1945 has provisions for labeling of homeopathic medicines,” the report said. It also highlighted that the provisions relating to advertisements containing drugs in Ayush are prescribed under the Drugs and Magical Remedies (Offensive Advertisements) Act, 1954.
“In addition to these, the Consumer Protection Act of 2019; the Cable Television Networks Act of 1995; and the Emblem and Name (Anti-Misuse) Act of 1950 are among the few laws or regulations that have provisions regulating misleading advertising. Yes,” he said.
