February 22, 2002

    The Government proposes to amend the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Rules, 1955 to include 'AIDS' in it. The Act and Rules made thereunder, provide that no person shall take part in the publication of any advertisement referring to any drug which suggest or is calculated to lead to the use of the drug for diagnosis, cure, treatment or prevention of any disease or disorder or condition specified in Schedule.

    'AIDS', being a disease of recent origin, was not mentioned in the existing Schedule. Even though, extensive research is being carried out to find cure to this deadly disease all over the world, the treatment of the disease is still elusive. However, in the recent past various advertisements appeared in newspapers claiming to cure the disease. It has, therefore, been proposed to include AIDS in the Schedule to the DMR (OA) Rules, 1955 which would prohibit misleading advertisements on cure of AIDS, and help regulatory authorities for taking action for any violation of the provision.

    Objections and suggestions to the proposed amendments are to be addressed to the Secretary (Health), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, New Delhi.