SC Allows AYUSH Doctors To Prescribe Govt-Approved Tablets As Immunity Boosters, Not As Cure For Covid-19

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday said that the AYUSH doctors and homeopaths cannot prescribe or advertise medicines as a cure for the deadly Coronavirus, but can prescribe government-approved tablets as immunity boosters.

(PIC Credit- PTI)

The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday ruled that qualified AYUSH doctors can prescribe government-approved tablets or mixtures as immunity boosters for COVID-19 patients. The top court - at the same time - also said that the AYUSH doctors and homeopaths cannot prescribe or advertise medicines as a cure for the deadly Coronavirus. A three-Judge bench headed by Justice Ashok Bhushan upheld the validity of the directions in the March 6 order of the Ministry of AYUSH, asking the AYUSH doctors to comply with those directions. The Supreme Court's judgement today was passed on an appeal filed against the August 21 decision of the Kerala High Court. The Kerala High Court in its August 21 order, prohibited AYUSH doctors from advertising or prescribing medicines as a cure for Covid-19, except those specifically mentioned in the Centre’s advisory on 6 March 2020. Dr A.K.B. Sadbhavana Mission School of Homeo Pharmacy challenged the order at which, the Ministry of AYUSH in an affidavit filed before the apex court emphasised the benefits of traditional Ayurveda practices and said they improved lifestyles, as well as the immune system. However, the ministry said that AYUSH doctors should not advertise any drug as a cure for Covid-19. Ayurveda’s immunity boosting measures for self care during COVID 19 crisis: Ministry of AYUSH has recommended several self-care guidelines for preventive health measures and boosting immunity with special reference to respiratory health.

• Drink warm water throughout the day
• Daily practice of Yogasana, Pranayama and meditation for at least 30 minutes as advised by Ministry of AYUSH
• Spices like Haldi (Turmeric), Jeera (Cumin), Dhaniya (Coriander) and Lahsun (Garlic) are recommended in cooking.
• Take Chyavanprash 10gm (1tsf) in the morning. Diabetics should take sugar free Chyavanprash.
• Drink herbal tea / decoction (Kadha) made from Tulsi (Basil), Dalchini (Cinnamon), Kalimirch (Black pepper), Shunthi (Dry Ginger) and Munakka (Raisin) - once or twice a day.
• Apply sesame oil / coconut oil or Ghee in both the nostrils (Pratimarsh Nasya) in morning and evening.