New Delhi: The Centre has warned TV channels against carrying advertisements with exaggerated or improper claims of Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani and homeopathic products and drugs. An advisory, issued by Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry Director (Broadcasting) Amit Katoch said the channels should advertise only those products and drugs that have valid licences, failure of which will attract action.
The move comes after the AYUSH Ministry approached the I&B Ministry saying some channels were carrying advertisements with "exaggerated or improper claims" of such drugs. Such advertisements were misleading the consumers and pose potential health risk with self-medication, it noted, adding that miraculous solution of all health problems are offered by the "self-proclaimed doctors, gurus and vaidhs" in these advertisements or programmes.
The advisory said the misleading advertisements of these products and drugs are in violation of the Drug and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act 1954, and Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940.
"... In order to protect the citizens from misleading advertisement and health risk, all TV channels are hereby advised to ensure strict compliance of provisions of the Drug and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act 1954 and Drug and Cosmetic Act 1940 as amended from time to time," the advisory read.
It said these rules should be adhered to "in letter and spirit" while telecasting advertisements on TV channels. "TV channels are advised to advertise only products that have valid licence issued by Ministry of AYUSH or state drug licensing authorities. Any failure will attract action...," the advisory said.
The move comes after the AYUSH Ministry approached the I&B Ministry saying some channels were carrying advertisements with "exaggerated or improper claims" of such drugs. Such advertisements were misleading the consumers and pose potential health risk with self-medication, it noted, adding that miraculous solution of all health problems are offered by the "self-proclaimed doctors, gurus and vaidhs" in these advertisements or programmes.
"... In order to protect the citizens from misleading advertisement and health risk, all TV channels are hereby advised to ensure strict compliance of provisions of the Drug and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act 1954 and Drug and Cosmetic Act 1940 as amended from time to time," the advisory read.
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
Parliament Panel Recommends Ayush-Health Ministry Collaboration WHO Releases Document On Gujarat Traditional Medicine Summit Have To Present Evidence On Efficacy Of Traditional Medicines: Minister 150 mg Semen In Kolkata Doctor's Body, Suspect Gang-Rape: Parents To Court 2 French Rafale Jets Collide Mid-Air, Instructor, Pilot Missing Vandalism At Kolkata Hospital Where Doctor Was Raped, Tear Gas Fired India's 78th Independence Day: A Tribute By Google Doodle "Full Of Negativity...": PM Slams Opposition In Independence Day Speech "We Revived Nalanda University, Now We Must Revive Nalanda Spirit": PM Modi Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.