Telangana DCA Seizes Medicines With Misleading Health Claims

Telangana Drugs Control Administration (DCA) has confiscated some medicines from Dundigal and Hanumakonda that bore false claims on their labels, misleadingly proclaiming their use for the cure of kidney stones (renal calculi and urethral calculi) and fever. They were discovered to be in open contravention of the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, which bans advertisement of medicines for certain diseases and conditions.^[1]

Violation of Drug Advertisement Laws

No person or entity is permitted under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act-1954 to publish or be involved in advertisements for drugs that claim to cure conditions covered under the Act. Kidney stones and fever are some of the conditions for which drug advertisements are not allowed.^[2] Persons who are guilty of false drug advertisements are punished under the Act. The law aims to safeguard consumers from being misled by over-emphasised assertions and guarantees that only scientifically substantiated treatments are marketed.

Public Safety and Regulatory Action

DCA Director-General VB Kamalasan Reddy stressed that the government is carefully keeping an eye on drug manufacturing and distribution processes in Telangana. Citizens are requested to report any perceived illegal operations with regard to manufacturing drugs, such as narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, in residential, commercial, or industrial premises. Complaints may be lodged by calling the DCA's toll-free number 1800-599-6969, available from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM on weekdays.^[3] The department is also stepping up inspections to detect and eliminate products with deceptive health claims from the market.

Concerns Over Misleading Claims

The illegal marketing of drugs with overstated health benefits is a serious threat to public health. Consumers can be tricked into taking ineffective or even dangerous drugs rather than proper medical care. Regulatory bodies emphasise that strict action will be taken against those who break the law to ensure public health and safety.^[4] Instances of deceptive drug promotion have been observed in various parts of India, and concerns have been raised regarding regulatory compliance by pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors.

Ensuring Consumer Awareness

Public education regarding false drug claims is of the utmost importance. Authorities urge consumers to authenticate the medical claims prior to buying medicine. Seeking advice from licensed healthcare providers rather than believing unverified advertisements is important for secure treatment. The DCA keeps striving to ensure that medicines being sold in Telangana are safe and deceptive marketing practices are checked more effectively.

References

1. Government of India. Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954. Available at: https://cdsco.gov.in/opencms/opencms/en/Acts-Rules/

2. Telangana Drugs Control Administration. "Public Awareness on Drug Violations." Available at: https://www.dca.telangana.gov.in/

3. World Health Organization. "The Impact of Misleading Drug Advertisements on Public Health." Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Pragati Sakhuja/MSM)