Dangerous Products: The game of corruption
Healthcare companies, particularly those dealing in Ayurvedic products, are leading the way in disseminating deceptive advertisements. These companies exploit the less fortunate by making false claims and charging exorbitant prices, not only defrauding them financially but also jeopardizing their health. In Haridwar, Uttarakhand, there are numerous companies operating illegally and colluding with local officials to swindle millions of rupees, primarily targeting the vulnerable populations of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi.
One such company, B.C. Hasaram & Sons, is notorious for its misleading claims. Their website lists 14 products, including Kesari Marham, which they advertise as a cure for 80 ailments, using the image of actor Anil Kapoor to lend credibility. Another product, Hari Ganga Balm, is among the many that prey on the poor with false promises.
During an informal discussion with employees of B.C. Hasaram & Sons, it was revealed that even basic hygiene standards are not upheld. When questioned, Tanuj Chandnani failed to provide answers to the following critical inquiries:
- Have you obtained approval or any licence for your medicinal product ‘Kesri Marham’?
- Can you provide the list of 80 diseases which are being claimed to be cured by ‘Kesri Marham’ and any license received in this manner from any government authority?
- Can you provide the detailed report of clinical trials of ‘Kesri Marham’ which were done to prove its performance rate on 80 different diseases as claimed in your advertisement?
- Can you provide the patent rights of ‘Kesri Marham’ and other products obtained from any government authority.
Drug Controller Dr. Mithilesh Kumar acknowledged the receipt of a complaint and stated that an investigation is underway. However, local authorities have been evasive when approached for comment. Opinion Class hopes that action will be taken against these companies soon. We will do a follow-up story after 21 days and then we will ask Dr Mithilesh Kumar what action he took and then we will tell the readers.
It is alarming that in this modern era, medicines are being marketed without clinical trials through deceitful advertisements, with the complicity of officials and the government, potentially endangering millions of lives.
Furthermore, misleading advertisements in sensitive areas such as baby care are rampant. Influencers are responsible for 81% of the violations in the baby care segment.
According to the ASCI’s annual complaint report, Honasa Consumer, the parent company of Mamaearth, led in advertising rule violations with 186 cases reported in the last financial year.
Sector-wise analysis shows that the healthcare sector accounts for 19% of total violations, followed by illegal offshore betting (17%), personal care (13%), education (12%), food and beverages (10%), and realty (7%).
ASCI CEO Manisha Kapoor emphasized the need for advertisers to collaborate with regulators and platform self-regulators to protect consumers, especially in the face of the increasing number of online advertising violations.
ASCI also noted that celebrities are frequently involved in promoting advertisements that breach the ASCI code, with at least 104 celebrities endorsing 101 such ads. Celebrities are reminded of their responsibility to adhere to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Throughout the year, approximately 250 advertisers were found to be in violation of the ‘Drugs and Magic Remedies Act.’
