Kerala drug controller seeks report on two traditional drugs

Amid increasing conflict between practitioners of modern medicine and traditional medicine, now the Drug Controller and Licensing Authority,Kerala, has asked his office to inquire into a complaint against two traditional drugs promoted for diabetes, obesity and hypertension manufactured by a well-known firm for violation under Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.

DrBabu K V, a registered medical practitioner from Kerala, in his complaint to thedrugs controllersaid that an Indian multinational company that deals mainly in ayurvedic medicine and natural healthcare products has been continuously violating Section 3 and 7 of DMR (OA) 1954. The sections deal with of advertisement of certain drugs for treatment of certain diseases and disorders and punishment for the same.

It is alleged that they have released advertisements claiming efficacy in treatment of a product against diabetes and obesity that are listed in the schedule number 9 and 38 of DMR (OA) 1954 respectively. Later, they released another advertisement claiming about a product that protects one from heart problems and blood pressure that is listed in the schedule as number 26 and 27 respectively.