Patanjali asked to remove misleading advertisements on Ayurvedic products
The complainant Babu said, "Though the company had promised to remove the adverts, it came up with a new set of commercials again, which forced me to file the complaints with both the Union Consumer Affairs Ministry and the SLA of Uttarakhand in July."
Kozhikode: A series of five advertisements made by the Patanjali Ayurveda claiming to treat blood pressure, diabetes, goitre, high lipid levels, and glaucoma have come under scrutiny by the State Licensing Authority (SLA), Ayurveda, and Unani Services, Uttarakhand, as well as the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA).
On September 7, the SLA asked Divya Pharmacy, the marketing arm of Patanjali Ayurveda, to remove the misleading advertisements from the media and was directed to submit an explanation within one week.
The CCPA, on September 22, observed that the issue affects public health and the advertisements are in violation of Sections 3 (d) and 106 (1) of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, and Schedule J of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945. The complaint has also been submitted to the Union Ministry of AYUSH for further action.
The advertisements were made for BPgrit, Madhugrit, Thyrogrit, Lipidom, and Eyegrit tablets. The complaint was filed by Kannur-based ophthalmologist K.V. Babu reports the Hindu. The Divya Pharmacy had informed the government authorities that it would stop issuing advertisements on products that claimed to treat heart and liver disorders. In March, the union ministry had noted that the ads on Lipidom, Livogrit, and Livamrit violated the country's drug laws.
The complainant Babu said, "Though the company had promised to remove the adverts, it came up with a new set of commercials again, which forced me to file the complaints with both the Union Consumer Affairs Ministry and the SLA of Uttarakhand in July."
Around two months back, the Licensing Officer for Ayurvedic and Unani Services, Uttarakhand, had directed the Drug Inspector, Haridwar, to take action against Divya Pharmacy under Patanjali Yogpeeth for making misleading advertisements of ayurvedic drugs claiming to treat heart and liver-related illnesses.
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