The Ministry of Ayush has intensified its efforts to curb misleading advertisements related to Ayurvedic, Siddha, Unani, and Homoeopathy (ASU&H) drugs. Under its Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY) scheme, the ministry has established a robust pharmacovigilance network to monitor and report such advertisements. A press release on its regulatory action was issued on August 9, 2024.
The program has led to the identification of over 38,539 misleading advertisements, which have been forwarded to state licensing authorities (SLAs) for appropriate action. The Ministry of Ayush has also collaborated with the Department of Consumer Affairs and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to address these issues.
The government is leveraging various legal frameworks, including the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, to take action against defaulters. Additionally, the Press Council of India has been actively involved in addressing misleading advertisements in print media.
While significant progress has been made, the ministry continues to emphasize the importance of consumer awareness and encourages the public to report such instances.
