IMA accuses Baba Ramdev of ''misleading'' people

New Delhi, Jan 8 (UNI) The Indian Medical Association (IMA) today accused Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev of ''misleading'' people about the cure of life threatening diseases and said it will oppose ''quackery'' in all its forms.

The Association alleged that people were dying at the camps organised by the Guru as they were being administered ''wrong medicines''.

''Baba Ramdev's very successful magic concoctions.... need to be properly tested before being used by human beings. Are the concoctions put on trials before being marketed ?.. the Swami-turned businessman-cum-drug manufacturer has to answer many questions,'' newly elected IMA National President Ajay Kumar told a news conference.

''People who do not belong to any of the four streams of medicine approved by the Government of India are quacks. They have to be stopped from misleading and killing patients,'' he added.

Pointing out that a new medicine in India has to be first experimented on animals and tried on humans in three phases before recommended for consumption, Dr Kumar said the Guru must clarify what standards his ''medicines'' were manufactures.

Asserting that the Association was not against Yoga, he said there was no scientific evidence that life threatening diseases like cancer and HIV/AIDS could be cured only by yoga.

''The situation is very dangerous. People are being told that cancer, AIDS and other diseases can be cured only by yoga. They stop medication.... which leads to further complications,'' he added.

Dr Kumar said IMA supported the Union Health Ministry in taking action against Baba Ramdev and would mobilise public opinion against the Guru.

''The Yoga guru must stick to teaching yoga alone and not play with the lives on millions of people by misleading them and casting aspersions on the medical community,'' he said.

Claiming that scores of people were dying at the camps organised by Baba ramdev, the IMA President said the death of a teenaged boy in Orissa should serve as an ''eye opener'' for the people.

''There is evidence in the Orissa case that the boy died in the camp.... Many such incidents have happened in Patna and Uttar Pradesh where evidence and facts were concealed,'' he claimed.

Dr Kumar claimed that he had received threats for opposing the ''malpractice of the Yoga Guru''.

Asked if he had filed an FIR, Dr Kumar said since he did not have any proof he could approach the police.

''I have received threats for opposing the Guru.... but that will not deter either the IMA or me in stopping him,'' he said.

UNI