Indian Medical Association (IMA) President Dr RV Asokan spoke out against yoga guru Baba Ramdev’s claims of curing COVID-19 and his criticism of modern medicine. In an interview with PTI, Asokan said Ramdev’s statements went against the medical profession, referring to modern medicine as “a stupid and bankrupt science.”
“He challenged the national interest during the government’s vaccination drive by claiming that 20,000 doctors died after receiving two doses of the COVID vaccine,” Asokan explained. “Given his high profile, people believed him, which was unfortunate.”
Asokan further noted that the IMA took action against Ramdev due to his misleading claims, despite Ramdev’s political connections. Ramdev advertised a Patanjali product, Coronil, as having World Health Organization approval, which was untrue, and the IMA decided to challenge him through the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act.
The Supreme Court recently heard IMA’s 2022 petition alleging a smear campaign against the COVID-19 vaccination drive and modern medicine. The court ordered Ramdev, his associate Acharya Balkrishna, and Patanjali Ayurved Ltd. to issue a public apology for their misleading advertisements.
During an April 23 hearing, the court also criticized IMA members for recommending unnecessary and costly medicines. The case involving Ramdev’s and Balkrishna’s apology is set to be addressed on April 30.
Ramdev faced legal scrutiny for his remarks against modern medicine and claims of ineffective COVID treatments. He was booked under sections of the Disaster Management Act, as well as other charges related to disobedience and causing intentional insult.
