'It is illegal': Centre on Ayurveda, Homeopathy drug ads claiming 'miraculous' effects

NEW DELHI: The Union Ayush ministry said on Tuesday that it was illegal to advertise Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy drugs claiming "miraculous or supernatural effects," saying that it was detrimental to public health.
"It is illegal to advertise ASU&H drugs claiming miraculous or supernatural effects for the treatment of diseases. Such advertisements can mislead and endanger public health by promoting unverified or false claims," the ministry said.
It also advised the public to seek consultation from medical practitioners before taking these drugs.
"General public are advised to use such medications only after consultations with registered medical practitioners/doctors of concerned Ayush systems," the ministry said.
"Public is also encouraged to report any such objectionable advertisements, false claims, fake medicines etc to the concerned State Licensing Authority or the Ministry of Ayush for an appropriate action," it added.
It cautioned against self-diagnosis or self-medication using Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy (ASU&H) drugs and medicines.
The ministry also said that the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954 strictly prohibits the advertising of drugs and magic remedies for specific diseases and conditions.