Thu May 08 16:11:10 UTC 2025: ## Andhra Pradesh Empowers AYUSH Doctors to Combat Misleading Medicine Ads
**Vijayawada, Andhra Pradesh – May 9, 2025** – The Andhra Pradesh government has empowered 13 government AYUSH (Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy) doctors to crack down on misleading advertisements related to traditional medicines. This move follows a Supreme Court directive urging states to establish mechanisms to address false medical claims.
Health Minister Y. Satya Kumar Yadav announced the initiative, stating that the doctors will enforce the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisement) Act, 1954, across 13 districts. Previously, only one individual oversaw this responsibility. The Act prohibits advertisements promoting certain drugs for preventing miscarriage or conception, enhancing sexual pleasure, or correcting menstrual disorders, with penalties of up to six years imprisonment and/or a fine.
The government has also instructed 49 drug inspectors to monitor misleading advertisements for allopathic medicines. Minister Yadav directed the newly empowered AYUSH doctors and police officers to promptly take action against individuals creating or publishing such advertisements. This multi-pronged approach aims to improve surveillance and protect the public from deceptive marketing practices within the medical field.
First Piper 