CCH warns homoeopaths claiming COVID-19 treatment in media

 

 

 

 

The Homoeopathy practitioners claiming treatment of COVID 19 through social media will have to face disciplinary action. Central Council of Homoeopathy (CCH) has issued an advisory in this regards on May 24. Dr Kumar Vivekanand, Registrar, of CCH has issued the advisory on misleading advertisement/news of Homoeopathy related claims for COVID-19 treatment in print, TV and electronic media. All the state boards and councils of Homoeopathic Medicines have been asked to take disciplinary action under Section 39 of Homoeopathic Practitioners (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Code of Ethics) Regulations 1982 and as per extant rules and guidelines dated April 1, 2020 and April 5, 2021 of Ministry of AYUSH against registered Homoeopathic Physicians who found to be taking part in such misleading claims and advertisements during the national crisis. CCH has also asked the boards and councils to inform about the disciplinary action taken against the registered Homoeopathic practitioners found guilty.

 

Dr Kumar Vivekanand, CCH registrar has mentioned that the Council had received various advertisements and videos of Homoeopathy related claims for COVID -19 treatment by various practitioners on social media and other platforms which are objectionable, misleading and confusing to the general public. Such advertisement by a qualified practitioner appear to be in violation of the provisions of Homoeopathic Practitioners (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Code of Ethics) Regulations 1982 (as amended from time to time). Also such advertisements in the wake of COVID 19 is in Contravention of Ministry of Ayush directives dated April 1, 2020 and April 5, 2021, he added. Earlier, on April 5, 2021, Dr J L N Sastry, In-charge Head, AYUSH Drug Policy Section had issued directives which were approved by Secretary of AYUSH, Government of India.

 

The order clearly stated, in view of the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic, it is imperative to apply and implement various measures for maintaining public safety in all aspects to control dissemination of misleading information about AYUSH drugs and services. Whereas the Ministry of AYUSH vide order dated April 1, 2020 had issued instructions to all concerned ASU&H regulatory authorities in states and union territories under provisions of Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940 to take effective measures to stop and prevent publicity and advertisement of AYUSH related claims for COVID 19 treatment in print, TV and electronic media and take necessary action against the persons or agencies involved in contravening the relevant legal provisions. Whereas, it is once again advised that such persons or agencies involved in misleading or false claim of COVID 19 treatment with AYUSH drugs may be seen falling under category of misbranded drugs as defined in section 33 EE of the Drugs and Cosmetic Act 1940 and punishable under section 33.1 of the said act, the order stated.