In a recent crackdown by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Ayurvedic medicines worth over Rs 46,500 were seized under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 (DMR Act) for making misleading claims about curing serious diseases. The action was taken against firms promoting drugs that falsely claimed to cure diabetes, arthritis, and kidney ailments, in violation of the act.
Officials cited that the DMR Act prohibits advertisements and claims related to 54 diseases and disorders, including diabetes, arthritis, and kidney issues. These diseases fall under the prohibited schedule of the act, which explicitly forbids companies from promoting or marketing drugs as cures for these conditions.
Acording to a report by a media house, in this particular operation, New Maruti Ayurved, located in Chinchwad, was found selling "Amruth Noni D Plus," an Ayurvedic medicine with a false claim of curing diabetes. The FDA seized products worth ₹36,500 from the premises. Additionally, Ayurvedic medicine "Orthojoint Oil," valued at Rs 5,027, was confiscated from Amit Medico in Sadashiv Peth for making objectionable claims about curing arthritis on the product label.
As per the reports, Mahalaxmi Ayurvedic, a Pune-based firm, also faced action for selling Ayurvedic medicines with claims to cure kidney stones. The FDA seized 16 sachets of the product, valued at Rs 5,000, from the company’s premises.
The FDA officials emphasised the importance of regulating such misleading advertisements and preventing companies from taking advantage of vulnerable patients suffering from chronic diseases. According to them, these unsubstantiated claims can not only mislead patients but also delay appropriate medical treatment.
Authorities have urged consumers to be cautious of products making such bold health claims and advised them to seek proper medical advice from licensed healthcare professionals for serious health conditions.
