ASCI is now a part of Ministry of AYUSH to control misleading drugs ads

In an effective, pre-emptive step, the Ministry of Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy (AYUSH) has constituted a committee to control misleading advertisements and exaggerated claims of AYUSH drugs. The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) is the only non-Government. member. In the empowered committee of seven members comprising AYUSH, Health and Family Welfare and DoCA representatives.

The constituted committee will be empowered to review and monitor the implementation of the provisions of The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Act, 1954 and Rules thereunder for curbing misleading advertisements of ASU & H drugs. The committee will be authorized to make recommendations for regulatory action against misleading advertisements and advise the Central Government for issuing any specific directions or advisories and for taking necessary steps. The committee will also be responsible for reviewing the actions taken by the states and the pharmaceutical vigilance centres for surveillance and control of misleading advertisements of ASU & H drugs.

ASCI’s Chairman, Ms. Abanti Sankaranarayanan, said, “ASCI has been closely working with AYUSH to ensure that Indian consumers are not exposed to false information and have access to safe drugs. We are confident that the new committee will act as a catalyst to the process of self-regulation in advertising, thus safeguarding consumers from deceptive advertisements that can negatively impact them”.

The meeting of the constituted committee will be convened on a six monthly basis or as and when required to review progress and make recommendations to accomplish their objective of controlling misleading advertisements.

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