Concerned over the growing instances of violation of Drugs & Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, the Delhi Drug Control Administration has written letters to the editors of English and vernacular newspapers in the National Capital Territory not to accept and publish advertisements about drugs which are claiming magical properties, it is learnt.

Recently the Indian Medical Association (IMA) has complained to the Delhi drug control administration against the exaggerated claims being made by certain pharmaceutical companies while marketing their products. P K Jaggi, assistant drugs controller, NCT of Delhi said even before the Association approached DCA, the department had initiated steps to control such unethical activities. Letters were sent to English, Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi newspapers.

When asked whether any action was taken against any media in the capital, he said it is too early to say something on this matter. The decision of the department is part of an initiative to strengthen the Act in the National Capital Territory. Jaggi said the Drug Controller has also set up a four-member committee to keep a vigil on the advertisements appearing in the media.

Speaking to Pharmabiz, the ADC said that many pharmaceutical companies in North India were carrying advertisements claiming they could cure common lifestyle and other diseases like diabetes, blood pressure, cancer, cataract and epilepsy. According to him, the department will scrutinize various advertisements published in newspapers and periodicals under Drugs & Magic Remedies Act and strict action will be initiated against all kinds of contraventions.

He said that there are provisions for prosecution under the Act against the persons found publishing objectionable advertisements. The electronic media in the capital is releasing relatively less number of objectionable advertisements in violation of DMRA, he added.