In compliance with a Supreme Court directive, the Directorate of Health Services of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration has launched a formal grievance redressal mechanism for the public to report objectionable advertisements under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954.
The initiative follows the apex court’s order dated April 1, 2025, in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 645/2022 (IMA & Anr. vs Union of India & Ors.), which directed states and Union Territories to take effective measures against misleading medical advertisements. Responding to this, the A&N Administration has established Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and created multiple channels for filing complaints.
Citizens can now report such advertisements through physical submission at the office of the Deputy Director (Ayush) or the State Licensing Authority located at the Ayush Hospital, Junglighat, Sri Vijaya Puram. Alternatively, complaints can be emailed to objectionableadvertisements.ani@gmail.com or phoned in via the toll-free number 03192-232102, operational at G.B. Pant Hospital.
Each complaint will be resolved within 45 days, as per the SOP. In unresolved issues, the first level of appeal lies with the Director of Health Services and the State Drug Controller. If needed, the matter can be escalated to the Secretary (Health), designated the Second Appellate Authority.
The administration has called upon the public to remain vigilant against false or exaggerated claims in advertisements related to medicines, health products, and so-called remedies that may violate the law. The framework is intended not only to comply with legal requirements but also to safeguard the public from deceptive health practices.
