The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) raided five sexologist clinics in Lucknow, suspected of selling Ayurvedic medicines spiked with steroids and other allopathic medicines illegally. The move follows increased concerns regarding unsafe practices of blending steroids, painkillers, and diabetes medicines in Ayurvedic products.

Key Highlights:
Details of the Raids:

• FSDA squads, who were headed by Assistant Commissioner (Drugs) Brijesh Kumar Singh, raided clinics on Hussainganj, AP Sen Road (Charbagh), Bansmandi, Lalkuan Road (near Hussainganj Crossing), and Pandariba in Lucknow.

• Ten medicines samples that had been seized by the squads are being sent for detailed analysis in a government lab in Meerut.

Suspicion of Illegal Adulteration:

• The raids came amid complaints and suspicion about clinics blurring the line between allopathic medicines and mixing them with Ayurvedic products, among other things.

• Such adulteration is fraught with serious health risks and constitutes a threat to public safety.

Continued Illegal Practices:

• FSDA officials added that this isn't the first time adulterated Ayurvedic medicines were sold.

• In spite of earlier crackdowns, these unsafe and illegal practices persist, indicating the need for sustained action and tightened enforcement.

Concerns of Medical Experts:
Dr Narayan Prasad, Department Head of Nephrology, Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, quoted a King Edward Memorial (KEM) Hospital, Mumbai study, which found that approximately 40% of Ayurvedic drugs contained steroids in tests, raising serious concerns regarding product safety and damage to patients.

Quotes by Authorities:
FSDA Official:
Various so-called Ayurvedic drugs available at such clinics are most likely to have allopathic medicines and steroids. This practice of adulteration is unlawful and risky for public health."FSDA regularly monitors and inspect clinics with an aim to stop adulterated medicinal practices. Public health workers have asked customers to be prudent and report anything suspicious to safe guard themselves as well as other people from fake and unapproved medicines.