SC seeks Centre's response on usage of alternative medicine to treat COVID

The Supreme Court today directed the Centre to file a counter affidavit detailing in what manner and to what extent Alternative Medicine like Ayurveda, Homeopathy and Siddha are permitted to treat COVID-19.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday directed the central government to file a counter affidavit mentioning to what extent Ayurveda, alternative medicine, Homeopathy and Siddha are allowed in coronavirus treatment.

The bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan, R Subhash Reddy, and MR Shah was hearing a petition against the Kerela High Court judgment which ruled that AYUSH doctors should only be prescribing medicines as immunity boosters and not as treatment for coronavirus.

The AYUSH ministry had issued a notification asking the state to adopt even Homeopathy to treat the virus which was challenged in the Kerela High Court.

Today, the apex court judges asked the government if there were any guidelines on it.

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"The judgment is right. They are not supposed to do this. There is an advisory on which symptoms these systems of medicines can treat and to what extent, what medicines can be prescribed, everything is there," contended Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.

He also clarified to the bench that the medicines can be used only as an immunity booster and not as treatment.

The top court asked the Solicitor General to submit the guidelines and adjourned the matter.

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