The Indian Medical Association (IMA) has stated that the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has not given permission for the use of Patanjali’s Coronil for the treatment of Covid-19.The IMA’s statement is based on a response it received from the CDSCO against a Right to Information (RTI) application filed by the Association.The IMA added that it had raised questions on the usage of certain tablets (Coronil) as a curative medicine for the Corona infection, when it was promoted as preventive and curative medicine by the producers of the drug.“The claim as the evidenced-based drug was also questioned as the evidence cited was just a Pilot study with 45 asymptomatic patients. It was also falsely promoted as the CDSCO has given license for the drug to be used as a therapeutic drug,” the IMA stated.As for WHO certification, which is Certification of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP), the national regulatory authority issues it for the purpose of international commerce i.e. for registration of product in foreign countries, the IMA further stated.In a letter to IMA, Sushanta Sarkar, Assistant Drugs Controller (India) said, “CDSCO has issued Certification of pharmaceutical product to Divya Pharmacy Unit (II), Haridwar for their product Divya coronil tablet, after examination of their application in consultation with the Ministry of Ayush.”“IMA acknowledges and respects the valuable contribution of pure Ayurveda drugs and their role in building immunity which will help the overall well-being. But using it as an only curative drug for infected people will be a dangerous one. In the pandemic we need to be extra cautious as any false hope will enhance the spread of the disease,” the association stated.
