ASCI upheld complaints against 82 out of 124 advertisements

In April 2014, ASCI’s Consumer Complaints Council (CCC) upheld complaints against 82 out of 124 advertisements. Out of 82 advertisements against which complaints were upheld, 44 belonged to Personal and Healthcare category. In fact, the ‘upheld rate’ in this category was over 95% (46 advertisements were complained against; 44 complaints were upheld).

HEALTH AND PERSONAL CARE

The CCC found the following claims in health and personal care product or service ads of 44 advertisers, released in the press to be either misleading or false or not adequately / scientifically substantiated and hence violating ASCI’s Code. Some of the health care products or services ads also contravened provisions of the Drug & Magic Remedies Act.  Complaints against the following advertisements were UPHELD.

1.        Hindustan Unilever Ltd.: The advertisement of Axe Extra Strong claims that Axe has a crazy effect on women. The ‘NSFW Make Them Strip’ video shows women turning into nymphomaniacs after smelling the deodorant. The TVC shows indecent depiction of women which is likely in the light of generally prevailing standards of decency to cause grave or widespread offence.
2.        Bright Lifecare Pvt. Ltd. (Healthkart Plus) : The complainant  cited that a disturbing advertisement on FM radio that suggested that customers must download this free mobile app, Healthkart Plus. It mentions a diabetic being happy about finding alternatives to his medicines which cost Rs.2000 but because of this app he was able to find alternatives and bring the cost down to Rs.800. Doctors specialize in fields such as endocrinology for a reason. It is irresponsible to have ads asking people to find substitutes with similar salts, especially for a problem like diabetes.
3.        Sthul Har Capsule: The advertisement Sthul Har Capsule claims of reducing weight - Reduces belly, reduces obesity and weight and makes body light and fit.
4.      Hezbotech India: The advertisement of Zero Mark claims that by applying Dr. Thapar's Fair n Beauty Sundari and fair up cream one can become fair in 30 minute. Black complexion becomes fair and fair complexion becomes softer and brings glow and shine on the face. Wash face with Dr. Thapar's Fair & beauty face wash and apply pimple eater on different pimples with different fingers and see result in 4 days.
5.       Dr. A’s Clinc: The advertisement claims that Dr. A’s Clinic gives “BEST of the BEST” result worldwide in hair transplant. The clinic reported 427 verified and uninterrupted results in 10 years and overall top ranked No.1 hair transplant clinic in the world.
6.       Kunanath Pharmaceuticals: The advertisement of Musli Power Xtra claims that it is  official licensee for Health Power Delhi Commonwealth 2010. And the visuals in the ad and on pack shots imply that the product is meant to enhance sexual pleasure.
7.       H Dhari Shah Pharmacy: The advertisement of Calm- Hi Tablet claims that Calm - Hi Tablet helps in getting rid of high blood pressure. Backed by Ayurveda treatment it is completely safe with no side effects. It has 7 kinds of pure herbs ingredients and has over lakhs of satisfied patients.
8.      Enhance Clinic: The advertisement claims that Enhance Clinic is the World's Best Hair Transplant Clinic”, “The World's Best Aesthetics Clinic".
9.      Kerala Ayurvedic Health Care: The website advertisement claims to reduce 8 to 10 kgs of weight within 28 days. The web content appears to be misleading.
10.    Urintone Ayurvedic Capsule: The advertisement claims that Urintone Ayurvedic capsule has ayurvedic solutions which help in treating prostrate glands / knot and requires neither an operation nor does it have any side effects. Even though today there are advanced treatments available which has temporary medicines but it has some side effects. In some cases it has led to impotency. The advertisement further claims that many people have got relieved from the problems of prostrate glands/ knots through Urintone. Urintone Ayurvedic Capsule is a tonic for every male which has no side effect. It’s not mere medicine, it’s an innovation.
11.     Jalan Healthcare: The advertisement claims that one can lose 15kgs in 60 days of treatment. Only place in Pune that offers weight loss with a written money back guarantee since 2009. No diets, no exercise, no blame game and no side effects.
12.    Maharishi Badri Pharmaceuticals: The advertisement claims that Nari X Capsules helps in curing weakness due to leucorrhoea, physical-mental tiredness, raktalpata, infirmity of pulses, weakness of heart etc. The other product named “V Tight Gel –helps in tightening vaginal walls and enhances sensitivity during sexual intercourse. Helpful in vaginal compression”.
13.    Tara Homeopathy Clinic: The advertisements claims to get rid of hair problem with 100% result.
14.    Jolly Pharma: The advertisement of Jolly Tulsi claims that Jolly Tulsi is made of the extract of five types of Tulsi. Every drop of Jolly Tulsi 51 removes bad elements from the body and naturally increases immunity. Sure shot treatment for more than 200 diseases.
15.    Venus Remedies Limited: The advertisement of Ezenus claims to be world’s first anti-stress herbal candy.
16.    Nine Star Brands: The advertisement of Protect Life claims that the product Protect Life is the perfect cure for people addicted to alcohol and also helps in curing addiction to any health condition of person too. It also provides various health benefits in human beings.
17.    Life Slimming and Cosmetics Pvt. Ltd: The advertisement claims that they are pioneers in non-surgical liposuction. Before and after visuals are misleading.
18.    Marico Ltd: The advertisement of Nihar Naturals Shanti Amla claims that “It is one of the fastest growing Hair Oil Brands in the country.
19.    Nisargalaya Herbal Private Limited (Roop Nisarg Cream Gel): The advertisement claims that the product gets rid of pimples, dark circles, pigmentation and blemishes. Reduces dark circles around the eyes. Reduces wrinkles and rejuvenates the skin.
20.    Detox: Advertisement claims of losing 6-20 inches from Tummy, Thighs, Arms and Hips. Expect guaranteed results with no pain, and no surgery. Visuals are misleading.
21.    Homeocare International Private Limited- The advertisement claims that it gives treatment for Diabetes, Thyroid problems, Back, Neck and Joint Pains, Sex Problems, Infertility, Hormone Problems and Asthma Problems. Claims to be Leaders in World-Class Homeopathy.
22.   Nisarga Ayurvedic Medicine Research Center- The advertisement claims that for first time in the world they can prevent heart attack. Proud to save ‘Heart without Surgery’.
23.   Manoj Vaidyasalai: The advertisement claims 100% cure from diabetes. People suffering from diabetes for many years and are in critical stage will get 100% cured within few months. No side effect in the medicine. If any wound is there due to diabetes it will be cured completely within fifteen days. So there is no need of surgery on wounds due to diabetes.
24.   Indira Infertility & Test Tube Baby Centre: The advertisement claims that more than 1900 couples have successfully conceived from Test Tube baby technique in last 3 years. Approved by government of Rajasthan.
25.   Mind and Soul Care Clinic: The advertisement claims complete relief from stress and depression. Guarantees prevention throughout the future in just 2 hours.
26.   Stammering Relief Centre: The advertisement claims of curing stammering in just two weeks of treatment. Many successful treatments since 11 years. Patients have started seeing differences on the third day itself. 100 % guarantee.
27.   Lotus Eye Hospital & Institute: The advertisement claims of 1 Crore eyes thanking lotus.
28.   Oriflame India Private Limited (Oriflame Optimal White): The advertisement claims that Oriflame Optimals White has oxygen active that boosts skin cell respiration. It is World Exclusive Patented Antioxidant Technology that shields your skin against environmental stress on a cellular level - Oxygen Boost.
29.   Dr. Batra’s Homeopathic Clinic: The advertisement claims that more than 1.41* lac skin cases successfully treated. The success rate for “’Psoriasis (Scaly Skin)” has been 90% and for “White Patches” it has been 89%”.The experience of treating over 1.41 lac skin cases - (AQA) has super: *Certified and Authenticated by AQA.
30.   Shathayu Ayurveda: The advertisement claims that Psoriasis is curable. As it is known to the medical field that Psoriasis is incurable but at Shathayu ayurveda with its continuous research since 1901 has come out with a promising treatment which gives a complete cure from it. Its treatment comprises special detoxification process combined with a traditional blend of herbal medicines. Patients with more severe psoriasis may have social embarrassment, job stress, emotional distress, and other personal issues because of the appearance of their skin.
31.    Shathayu Ayurveda: The advertisement shows a testimonial for diabetes that cannot be cured and advertises and publishes the same on the website. A disorder that cannot be cured is claimed to be cured on the internet to attract patients.
32.   Vardhan Ayurvedic Organisation: The advertisement claims of successful treatment of liver problems. They provide successful treatment of kidney stones without operations and help in quitting alcohol. They also provide successful Ayurvedic Treatment of STD - Impotence - Premature Ejaculation.  The Ayurvedacharya's of Chandigarh's famous Ayurvedic institute Vardhan Ayurvedic  have made a sure shot medicine for successful ayurvedic treatment of all types of diseases  like nightfall, impotency, premature ejaculation, small penis, semen in urine, heat etc.  This medicine has proved successful in curing any type of STDs due to any reason and at any age.  It has got first position for increasing sex time, full passion in organ, desired time, shape of the organ and sperm count. If sagginess is seen due to sugar diseases unbelievable benefit can be found by consumption of this medicine for a few days.
33.   AOA Health –De (Addiction Capsule):  The advertisement claims of quitting alcohol without any side effect or else get money back.
34.   Abhijay Hospital Private Limited (Abhijay Reproductive Care & Research Centre): The advertisement claims complete solutions for all Infertility treatments.
35.   Brihans Natural Products Private Limited (Cleancomb Lotion Hair Loss): The advertisement claims that Cleancomb has improved formulation and has popular natural anti Hair loss solution for 10 years.  It has been proven to stop hair loss in men and women.
36.   Diawin Mutli Speciality Siddha Hospital: The advertisement claims  to treat stone and pile problems; claims to cure it completely within seven days by using herbal treatment and those with surgery treatment can also be cured though our treatment. 
37.   Vishwas Hospital: The advertisement claims of losing 6 inches off the waist in 2 hours. No More Cellulite. Reduce weight with injection.
38.   Patna IVF &Endo Surgery Centre: The advertisement claims of one stop solution for all InfertilityProblems.