Question : AYUSH Medicines for Treatment of COVID-19

Will the Minister of AYURVEDA, YOGA AND NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY (AYUSH) be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government is aware that there are reports of illegal marketing and sale of AYUSH system of medicines in the open market for COVID-19 treatment/ anti-COVID properties across the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof, State/UT-wise and stream-wise;

(c) whether these medicines were approved by the ICMR and any complaints/suggestion have been received in this regard, if so, the details thereof along with names of such private/corporate companies against whom complaints have been lodged/registered; and

(d) the details of action taken/being taken by the Government against those drug companies which have flouted the rules and regulations of Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS AND ADDITIONAL CHARGE OF MINISTER OF STATE (IC) OF THE MINISTRY OF AYURVEDA,
YOGA & NATUROPATHY, UNANI, SIDDHA AND HOMOEOPATHY
(SHRI KIREN RIJIJU)
(a) & (b): Ministry of AYUSH issued an order dated 1.4.2020 to stop and prevent publicity and advertisement of AYUSH-related claims for COVID-19 treatment in print, TV and electronic media was issued to All State Principal Secretaries/Secretaries Health and AYUSH, State Licensing Authorities AYUSH (SLA), Pharmacovigilance centres, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, Press Council of India and Advertising Standards Council of India. Through Pharmacovigilance centres- 173 such advertisements related to ASU&H drugs for COVID-19 claims have been received from April, 2020 to January 2021.
Sr. No. System Number of IPvC Centers Number of PPvC Centers 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



(c): As per information received from ICMR, under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940 and Rules thereunder, Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) is responsible for approval of Drugs, conduct of clinical trials, laying down the standards for drugs, control over the quality of imported drugs in the country.

(d): Advertisements of AYUSH drugs are regulated under the provisions of Drugs and Magic remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 & Rules there under, which is administered by the respective State Governments. State Licensing Authorities are empowered to take action in case of non compliance. In this regard, Ministry of AYUSH has 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 Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 & Rules there under and Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 and Rules there under.