Government to revisit law controlling advertisement of drugs and magic remedies to take tough action against quacks

NEW DELHI: With rise in number of quacks offering magic cures, Health Minister Harsh Vardhan today said government will "revisit" the law controlling advertisement of drugs and magic remedies, for taking tough action against fake doctors.

He gave this assurance in the Rajya Sabha while replying to a private member amendment bill to the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable advertisements) Act, 1954 moved by Congress leader Shantaram Naik. Naik sought amendments to the law to strengthen punishment provisions against quacks.

"I agree with what you said. Unfortunately, all these are happening in our society. Quacks are using different tactics to misguide and mislead people. Rather than make changes here and there, we would like to radically revisit the Act," Vardhan said.

There is a need to amend the law. But it cannot be amended as suggested by Naik without taking states into confidence, he said and asked the Congress leader to withdraw his bill.

"I don't think anyone is punished so far under this law. There is a need of amendment to the act. When we make changes, you will agree with me, states have to be part of it for implementation. I cannot do amendments without taking states into confidence," he said.

Convinced with minister's reply, Naik withdrew the amendment bill.

He, however, suggested that while the government relooks at the law, it should call a meeting of state Health Ministers to at least implement the existing law as it is.