The Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy (AYUSH) Ministry’s apparent U-turn on its stance - specifically for controlling inappropriate advertisements of Ayurvedic, Siddha and Unani medicines - has come under criticism from health experts who have now approached the Ministry for urgent intervention and possible reversal of its recommendation.
The Ayurvedic Siddha and Unani Drugs Technical Advisory Board (ASUBTAB) has recommended the omission of Rule 170 which deals with controlling inappropriate advertisements and was previously brought into the Central Government notified amendment of the Drugs & Cosmetics Rules, 1945, on December 24, 2018.
The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, encompasses the provisions for prohibition of misleading advertisements and exaggerated claims of drugs and medicinal substances including AYUSH medicines and for the penalty to be imposed on the defaulters.