Yoga teacher Ramdev-led Patanjali Ayurved has responded to accusations of false advertising and misleading claims about its products. The company stated that it has not made any false advertisements or propaganda and is willing to accept any penalty, including a death sentence, if found guilty by the Supreme Court.
This comes after the Supreme Court cautioned Patanjali Ayurved against making false and misleading claims in its advertisements about the effectiveness of its medicines in curing various diseases. In response, Patanjali Ayurved asserted that it has a database with evidence from more than one crore people, including real-world evidence, preclinical and clinical evidence, proving the efficacy of its products.
Patanjali Ayurved claimed that it has successfully treated numerous diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, asthma, arthritis, obesity, liver and kidney failure, and even cancer. The company expressed its respect for the Supreme Court and stated that it would not object to any fine or punishment imposed by the court if it is found guilty of false advertising or propaganda.
Earlier this week, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Union health ministry, the Ministry of Ayush, and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd following a plea by the Indian Medical Association (IMA). The IMA accused Ramdev of running a smear campaign against the vaccination drive and modern medicines. The court has taken the IMA’s allegations seriously and warned Patanjali Ayurved to cease all false and misleading advertisements.
In its defense, Patanjali Ayurved emphasized that it is not spreading false propaganda and has successfully treated thousands of people using a combination of Yoga, Ayurveda, Naturopathy, Panchakarma, Shatkarma, fasting, and integrated treatment systems. The company blamed certain doctors in the medical sector for opposing alternative therapies and accused them of being stubborn and frustrated. It also criticized allopathy for only controlling diseases but not curing them.
Patanjali Ayurved further claimed that it has fought against medical crimes committed by unscrupulous practitioners, including the installation of fake pacemakers, organ theft, unnecessary medication, and indiscriminate testing. The company believes that it has made significant contributions to the medical field through its holistic approach.
Overall, Patanjali Ayurved maintains its innocence and stands by the effectiveness of its products. The Supreme Court will continue to investigate the allegations made by the Indian Medical Association and determine the appropriate course of action.
