Center’s reply to Patanjali court: ‘Personal choice – Ayush or allopathic medicine’

The Center in its reply to the misleading advertisement case against Patanjali Ayurved and its founder, yoga guru Ramdev, told the Supreme Court that receiving medical services under Ayush or allopathic medicine is a personal choice and should not Encourage disparagement of any system. Assistant Balkrishna.

This comes after the Supreme Court filed a case against the Patanjali founders and said the company’s advertisements complied with “the provisions of the law”. The court imposed severe punishment on Ramdev and Balkrishna for not filing proper affidavits. It also refused to accept an apology offered by Patanjali last month, noting that it “did not convince the court” and was “more than lip service”. The court then asked Ramdev and Balkrishna to return today and provide fresh affidavits. Ramdev has now appealed to the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court also raised tough questions for the central government. “We want to know why the government chose to turn a blind eye,” it said last week.

The center’s reply said states have the right to take action against advertisements claiming miraculous cures. However, the center has promptly handled the matter in accordance with the law. Referring to Patanjali’s claim that it has developed a drug, Coronil, to treat Covid-19, the affidavit said the company has been told not to publish such advertisements until the matter is investigated by the Ayush Ministry.

The center’s response said that following a detailed interdisciplinary process, the national licensing authority was informed that Coronil tablets “can only be considered a Covid-19 support measure”. It also said the Center has taken proactive steps against false claims of COVID-19 cure. States and Union Territories have been asked to stop advertising advertisements related to Ayush for Covid-19 treatment.

The Centre’s affidavit said its existing policy promotes a model of “integrated healthcare system integrating Ayush system with allopathic medicine”. “Using the services of Ayush system or allopathic medicine is the choice of the individual or healthcare seeker. The government encourages utilizing the strengths of each healthcare system to improve the overall health of the citizens in a holistic manner.

“We therefore submit with great respect that denigration of practitioners of other systems of medicine by practitioners of other systems of medicine who lack a complete understanding of other systems of medicine should be discouraged in the public interest and common good. Respect,” the center’s response said.

The Indian Medical Association (IMA) moved the Supreme Court in 2022, pointing out “false” and “misleading” claims in Patanjali’s advertisements. The IMA referred to several advertisements which allegedly portrayed allopathic medicine and doctors in a poor light. Lawyers for the IMA said the ads claimed doctors were still dying despite taking modern drugs.

The Uttarakhand government of Patanjali Yogpith has also submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court saying that it has been vigilant and has taken appropriate steps to ensure that Patanjali complies with the law. The state government said Patanjali was served multiple notices but sought asylum under a 2019 interim order of the Bombay High Court.

The Uttarakhand government said it was aware of the seriousness of the situation and assured to take action. “The state authorities will take all appropriate steps against Divya Pharmacy and/or Patanjali Ayurved Limited in accordance with the procedures prescribed by law and/or the directions of this court,” the statement said.