Ministry of Ayush advisory against deceptive ads amid Patanjali row

The Ministry of Ayush has taken a firm stance against deceptive advertising practices in the wake of controversies surrounding Patanjali and its misleading advertisements. Following a Supreme Court directive for Patanjali to issue a public apology, the Ministry has issued a stern warning to manufacturers of Ayush products, including those in the unani, siddha, homeopathic, and ayurvedic sectors.

The warning emphasizes strict compliance with labeling and advertising regulations to avoid potential legal consequences. This move comes in response to widespread advertisements from conventional drug makers making dubious claims such as "100% safe," "guaranteed treatment," or "lasting remedy," all of which are currently under scrutiny.

The Ministry has highlighted several instances of misinformation, including the unauthorized use of the "green logo" to imply a vegetarian status and unverified claims of certification or endorsement by the Ministry. In a consultation, the Ministry clarified that it does not grant approvals or manufacturing licenses for any Ayush product or drug and warned of legal action against manufacturers for future misuse of such claims in advertising or labeling.

The advisory has been circulated to various authorities, including the National PharmaCovigilance Coordination Centre, state Ayush drug licensing authorities, and relevant associations or manufacturers. The Centre is tasked with reporting any misleading claims of certification or approval to the Ministry of Ayush or the respective state licensing authority.

Media reports have also highlighted the fallacy of claims suggesting that Ayush products offer nutraceutical benefits or have no side effects. The Ministry clarified that a license issued by a state drug licensing authority should not be construed as an endorsement by the Ministry of Ayush but rather permits the manufacture or sale of a product based on adherence to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

The advisory encompasses the legal framework governing the classification and advertising of Ayush drugs, citing various laws aimed at curbing deceptive advertising and ensuring accurate public communication about Ayush products. These regulations include the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, the Cable Television Networks Act, 1995, the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950, and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.