Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has taken any action against individuals/corporations who advertise their products as prophylactic medicines for COVID-19; and
(b) if so, the details thereof?
(a) & (b): Advertisements concerning drugs are regulated under the provisions of Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 which is administered by State Licensing Authorities(SLAs) appointed by the respective State Governments. SLAs are legally empowered to take action in case of non compliance.
Ministry of AYUSH issued an order dated 01.04.2020 to stop and prevent, publicity and advertisement of AYUSH related claims for COVID-19 treatment in print, TV and electronic media. Pharmacovigilance centres have received 173 advertisements related to ASU&H drugs for COVID-19 claims from April, 2020 to January 2021. The details is as below:
Sr.
No System Number of IPvC Centres Number of PPvC Centres
Number of COVID-19 Misleading Advertisement (From April to January, 2021)
1. Ayurveda 02 35 111
2. Siddha 01 14 49
3. Homeopathy 01 13 07
4. Unani 01 11 06
Total 05 74 173
Ministry of AYUSH has also issued directives to the State/UT authorities to initiate necessary action against the defaulters and alleged manufacturers/advertisers acting in contravention of the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 & Rules there under and Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and Rules there under