IMA and UK State Drug Body under crticism : Patanjali Case

According to a report by The Hindu, the Indian Supreme Court has expressed concern over statements attributed to Indian Medical Association president RV Asokan in an interview, regarding the court's scrutiny of the conduct of private doctors.

Criticism has been directed at the court for its rebuke of private physicians, with the Indian Medical Association (IMA) alleging that Patanjali Ayurved, Baba Ramdev, and Acharya Balkrishna have disregarded the Supreme Court and allopathic medicine. The IMA voiced apprehensions about Patanjali's apparent disregard for the Supreme Court and the principles of allopathic medicine.

In a recent court session, the judges turned their attention to the IMA, indicating their intent to investigate issues such as inflated medical bills and potential collusion between doctors and pharmaceutical companies to promote costly medication brands.

Mukul Rohatgi, representing Asokan, brought attention to his client's interview during the court proceedings, expressing dissatisfaction with the court's criticism of the IMA. He argued that it was improper for the Supreme Court to denounce the medical profession, which had made significant sacrifices in combating the Covid pandemic.

the Supreme Court strongly criticized the Uttarakhand State Licensing Authority for its apparent "inaction" over a period of six years in a case involving misleading advertisements by Patanjali Ayurved Limited. The court emphasized the need for honesty from the authority if it sought "sympathy and compassion."

Expressing dissatisfaction with the explanations provided in affidavits, including one from the State Licensing Authority (SLA), the apex court questioned why the authority had only become active following the court's order on April 10. Justices Hima Kohli and Ahsanuddin Amanullah remarked that the SLA's behavior indicated a pattern of either swift action or prolonged inertia, depending on its inclination.

During the proceedings, the bench commended the "marked improvement" in the unconditional public apology issued in newspapers by yoga guru Ramdev, his associate Balkrishna, and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. However, it also took serious note of comments made by Indian Medical Association (IMA) president Dr. R V Asokan regarding the apex court, warning of potential "serious consequences."

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing Patanjali, brought attention to a "disturbing interview" given by the president of IMA the previous day. Rohatgi highlighted statements from the interview where the IMA president criticized the Supreme Court's actions and defended the medical profession. Justices Amanullah and Kohli cautioned the IMA's counsel about the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the need for preparedness for further consequences.

Rohatgi mentioned a news report from an English daily containing the IMA chief's interview, indicating his intention to submit a copy of the publication to the court. In an interview with PTI on Monday, the IMA president expressed disappointment at the Supreme Court's criticisms of the IMA and private doctors' practices, deeming it "unfortunate."

Refrence: The Hindu , Danik bhaskar, TOI, NEWS 18 , Economic Times