SC rebukes IMA over 'unethical conduct' says, 'put your house in order'

• SC rebukes Indian Medical Association's for endorsing allopathic medicines in the Patanjali advertisements case
• Highlighted several complaints with regard to alleged unethical conduct of IMA
• Directs licensing authorities of all states and union territories to be impleaded as parties in the case
   

In a significant development regarding the misleading advertisements case involving Patanjali Ayurved, Baba Ramdev, and Acharya Balkrishna, the Supreme Court of India didn't mince words as it addressed the petitioner, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), for its stance on endorsing medicines in allopathy. The court, in a sharply worded rejoinder, pointed out that "four fingers" were pointing at the IMA as it scrutinized Patanjali's actions.

The Supreme Court questioned the IMA's doctors for endorsing medicines in the allopathic field, challenging the association's credibility in the matter.  The court asked IMA to put its house in order regarding alleged "unethical acts" in which "expensive and unnecessary" medicines were prescribed.

"Your (IMA) doctors are also endorsing medicines in the allopathic field. If that's happening, why should we not turn the beam at you (IMA)? There are several complaints with regard to alleged unethical conduct of IMA," the court said.

The court has asked licensing authorities of all states and union territories to be impleaded as parties in the case.

The Union government must wake up to this, it added.

The Indian Medical Association has moved against Patanjali Ayurved for publishing advertisements claiming cures for diseases and running a smear campaign against modern medicine.