Action on channels for airing ads with false claims about drugs: Centre

An advisory has been issued by the Information and Broadcasting (I&B) Ministry that TV channels advertising "exaggerated" or improper claims of Ayurvedic, siddha, unani and homeopathic products and drugs will be violating certain laws, failure to which will attract attention.

Ministry of I&B Director Amit Katoch, released an advisory against misleading audience to advertisements of these AYUSH products, saying it will be a violation of Drug and Magic Remedies (objectionable Advertisements) Act of 1954, Drugs and Cosmetic Act of 1940 and rules amended from time to time.

The advisory further said that Ministry of AYUSH has informed I&B Ministry that some channels carry advertisements with exaggeration and improper claims, and if consumed will pose potential health risk to the consumer.

The statement further wrote that in order to protect consumers from such dangers of misleading advertisements, all TV channels are "hereby advised to ensure strict compliance of provisions" of the above mentioned acts.

The advisory concluded saying that following the statement if any channel fails to do so they will attract action as per provision of the rules.