He gave this assurance in the Rajya Sabha while replying to a private member amendment bill to the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable advertisements) Act, 1954 moved by Congress leader Shantaram Naik. Naik sought amendments to the law to strengthen punishment provisions against quacks.
"I agree with what you said. Unfortunately, all these are happening in our society. Quacks are using different tactics to misguide and mislead people. Rather than make changes here and there, we would like to radically revisit the Act," Vardhan said.
"I don't think anyone is punished so far under this law. There is a need of amendment to the act. When we make changes, you will agree with me, states have to be part of it for implementation. I cannot do amendments without taking states into confidence," he said.
Convinced with minister's reply, Naik withdrew the amendment bill.
He, however, suggested that while the government relooks at the law, it should call a meeting of state Health Ministers to at least implement the existing law as it is.
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