FDA cracks down on makers of 'magic cures'

MUMBAI: State Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has cracked down on manufacturers of traditional medicines that claim to magically cure ailments ranging from diabetes, obesity, infertility to enlargement of male private parts.

In a drive since June, FDA seized drugs worth over Rs 20 lakh from manufacturers of ayurvedic and homoeopathy medicines. The drug regulatory body also served notices to 167 manufacturers for advertising fake claims. Officials said the firms would advertise about the curing powers of these medicines.

"There is a prohibition on advertising such products under Drugs and Magic Remedies Act. We have sent notices to the manufacturers and those who place the advertisements. Notices have also been sent to TV channels that air such advertisements, which are misleading and can harm users," said FDA commissioner Pallavi Darade. She said the drive was aimed at cutting down on self-medication that such medicines promote.

Ayush ministry had in 2016 introduced few changes to Drugs and Cosmetic Rules, which made it illegal for traditional medicine manufacturers to advertise treatment or cures for over 30 disorders that included infertility, baldness and short height. They were also refrained from advertising about how some unani or siddha medicines could enhance one's sexual health. A senior FDA official said that despite laws such medicines are rampantly advertised on television and through other media.