Promoters of health products have to tell about themselves too, celebrities advised to avoid making claims

When promoting a product or service as a health expert or doctor, it will be important for influencers and digital influencers to introduce themselves as well. The central government has advised influential people to avoid making health-related claims without concrete facts.

The government believes that during the promotion of any product, it should be clear whether the person telling is a doctor or a health expert or it is just his personal opinion. There should be a clear distinction between a professional advisor and an expert.

The Consumer Ministry, in its guidelines issued on Thursday, has also said that in case of violation, penalty can be imposed under the provisions. According to the guidelines, certified doctors, health and fitness experts from recognized institutions will also be required to state that they are doctors or fitness experts while sharing information or promoting products and services, or making any kind of claim related to health.

The ministry has recommended encouraging the general public to consult health professionals only for information on health services. However, general health advice that does not relate to specific products or services is exempt.

Tips, like drinking water and staying healthy, exercising and increasing physical fitness, and sleeping well to stay healthy, are included. But while making claims like health benefits, treatment, or increasing immunity power from medicines, food items, and nutritious products, one has to tell about himself or in what capacity he is making this claim. This instruction of the Central Government is an extension of the instructions dated June 9, 2022, regarding the prohibition of misleading advertisements.

The government says that the purpose of giving additional guidelines is to deal with misleading advertisements and baseless claims. Also, transparency has to be brought in the health sector, so that their opinion is not seen as a substitute for diagnosis or treatment. This directive has been issued after consultation with the Ministry of Health and AYUSH, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, and the Advertising Standards Council.