Supreme Court Criticizes Both Sides in Medical Misinformation Case
The Supreme Court called on the Indian Medical Association (IMA) to address concerns about unethical practices in modern medicine, specifically highlighting the issue of doctors prescribing unnecessary and expensive medications.
Supreme Court Takes Aim at Unnecessary Prescriptions:
- A Supreme Court panel led by Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah expressed concern about the practice of doctors prescribing expensive and needless medications.
- They directed the Indian Medical Association (IMA), the petitioner in a case before them, to address these allegations of unethical practices within the organization. The Court emphasized the need to scrutinize situations where the IMA’s influence might be misused to promote unnecessary and costly prescriptions.
Supreme Court Scolds IMA While Hearing Vaccination Case:
- In a surprising turn of events, the Supreme Court criticized the Indian Medical Association (IMA) during a hearing regarding an alleged smear campaign against modern medicine and COVID-19 vaccinations by Patanjali and its founders. The Court has previously condemned Patanjali and its leadership for making misleading claims about their products.
- While the IMA had brought the case against Patanjali, the Court took this opportunity to address concerns about the IMA itself. Justices Kohli and Amanullah highlighted reports of unethical practices within the medical community, specifically the issue of doctors prescribing expensive and unnecessary medications. They urged the IMA to address these allegations and ensure ethical conduct among its members.
- The Court also considered an application requesting that the IMA be penalized for its role in the case.
Supreme Court Questions Patanjali’s Potential Involvement in Costs Against IMA
- The Supreme Court raised eyebrows during a hearing on the IMA’s complaint against Patanjali’s alleged anti-vaccination campaign. While criticizing Patanjali earlier for misleading claims about their medicines, the Court now scrutinized the IMA as well.
- Justice Kohli pointed out a request for a hefty ₹1 billion penalty on the IMA for filing the complaint. She suggested this might be a veiled attempt to support Patanjali’s case, directed at Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi representing Patanjali. Rohatgi firmly denied any involvement.
- The Court expressed suspicion about the timing and source of the cost imposition request, suggesting it could be an outsider meddling in the case. They leaned towards rejecting the request but indicated they would still investigate the allegations of unnecessary prescriptions against the IMA.
Supreme Court Calls for Broader Crackdown on Misleading Medical Ads
- The Supreme Court broadened the scope of its concerns beyond the specific case of Patanjali. They acknowledged the need for stricter enforcement of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act, emphasizing that misleading advertisements extend beyond Patanjali.
- The Court highlighted the negative impact such ads have on public health, particularly for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and those who rely on medications advertised with false claims.
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- To address this issue more comprehensively, the Court proposed involving additional government ministries beyond just the parties in the current case. They suggested including the Ministries of Consumer Affairs, Information and Broadcasting, and Information Technology to collaborate on tackling violations of the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act, the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and the Consumer Protection Act.
