Patanjali's Coronil has no regulatory approvals for Covid-19 treatment: IMA
New Delhi: Reacting to Patanjali Ayurveda's claims of Coronil being a curative against coronavirus, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has recently pointed out that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has not given permission for the use of Coronil for the treatment of Covid-19.
Forecasting the beginning of the second wave with a continuous spike in the cases of Covid-19 streaking across the country, IMA has urged the public to come forward with more dedicated Tests, trace, and carry on the appropriate protocol. IMA suggested that the protocols should be maintained " for treating without falling prey to the un-scientific selfish-centred promotion of certain drug and procedures."
To get a more explicit picture, IMA filed for an RTI to know if the Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued any license for the use of Coronil in the treatment of COVID-19. In response, CDSCO informed the association that they are not the concerned authority to grant certification for such medications as it comes under the ambit of state licensing authorities. Hence, they have not issued any certification or permission for the use of Coronil for treatment.
Accordingly, in a recent press release, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has raised questions on the usage of certain tablets (Coronil) as a curative Medicine for Corona infection, when it was promoted as preventive, curative, Medicine by the Producers of the Drug. The claim as the evidenced-based drug was also questioned as the evidence cited was just a Pilot study with 45 asymptomatic patients.
The press release further added, " IMA salute and respect 734 doctors of Modern Medicine who had sacrificed their lives in the control of this pandemic and also salute the Government of India and also Modern Medicine Scientist who conceived, conceptualized, produced and rolled out the Vaccine and vaccination drive in our country to combat the disastrous effects of this disease".
IMA National President Dr Jayalal stated, "IMA acknowledges and respects the valuable contribution of Pure Ayurveda Drugs and their role in building immunity which will help the overall well-being. But using it as an only curative drug for infected people will be a dangerous one. In the pandemic, we need to be extra cautious as any false hope will enhance the spread of the disease."
He further stated, " We request all our people to kindly take vaccination at the earliest, spiritually adopt the principles of Covid appropriate behaviors like physical distancing, hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene and appropriate masking to protect the people from the spread of Infection, Test, Trace and appropriate treatments as promoted by our Honorable Prime Minister shall be our tool to protect us from this pandemic. Vaccination drives should be promoted with much more fastness and even to the extent of providing them at doorsteps without any payments."
IMA also suggested that the COVID protocol should be strictly enforced during the election rituals and the physical infrastructure of having well-ventilated rooms, restrictions of continuous or cumulative contact time, etc. in schools and polling booths should also be maintained. IMA also appealed to the people not to panic as India is fully empowered to treat the acute effects of this disease and hence, asked the public to use designated centers of excellence for early treatment if they contract the disease.
The Association claimed, " It was also falsely promoted as the Government Central Drug Standard Control Organisation has given license for the drug to be used as a Therapeutae Drug. When the questions were sent to Central Drug Standard Control Organisation through RTI it is replied from the Central Drug Control Organisation, that No Certificate or permission for the use of Coronilfor treatment of Covid-19 is given by them. (Enclosed RTI reply)."
However, in the RTI report, Drug Controller Organisation clearly stated, " Ayurvedic Drugs are regulated under the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940 and Rules, 1945. License for manufacture for sale of Ayurvedic Drugs is granted by respective state Licensing authorities appointed by the respective State Government Under Rule 152 of Drugs and Cosmetics Rules 1945."
Hence, Sushant Sarkar, Assistant Drug Controller, and CPIO clarified, " This office has not issued any certification or permission for the use of "Coronil" in the treatment of COVID-19. However, as per the WHO certification scheme which is a scheme of Certification of Pharmaceutical Products (COPP) by the National Regulatory Authority (NRA) for the purpose of international commerce that is for registration of products in foreign countries, CDSCO has issued Certification of Pharmaceutical Product to M/S Divya Pharmacy Unit Haridwar for their product Divya Coronil Tablet after examination of the application in consultation with Ministry of Ayush."
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