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Dr Dilip Bhanushali said GLP‑1 drugs should be restricted to endocrinologists, general physicians, and diabetologists to curb misuse & prevent side effects seen in Western markets
The IMA chief stressed that we need to plug the gaps that have existed for many years, where quacks or doctors from other pathies freely prescribe third-generation antibiotics and steroids. (IMA)
India’s largest body of doctors prescribing modern medicines, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), has raised an alarm over the misuse of weight-loss drugs Mounjaro and Wegovy, noting that not only specialists but also dermatologists, physiotherapists, and practitioners of Ayurveda and homoeopathy have been prescribing them.
In an interview with News18, Dr Dilip Bhanushali, national president of IMA, said the lobby proposes that GLP‑1 drugs should be restricted to endocrinologists, general physicians, and diabetologists—a move intended to curb misuse and prevent side effects seen in Western markets.
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“The IMA is concerned about the misuse of weight-loss drugs, and we are ready to propose regulatory changes if the Union health ministry requires help in overseeing the evolving market,” said Bhanushali.
“Currently, not just specialists, but also dermatologists, physiotherapists and practitioners of alternative medicine such as Ayurveda and homoeopathy are writing prescriptions for GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. These drugs are primarily targeted for diabetes management and weight reduction.”
The IMA chief stressed that prescriptions for such medicines should be restricted to specialists like “endocrinologists, general physicians and diabetologists”.
“We need to plug the gaps that have existed for many years, where quacks or doctors from other pathies freely prescribe third-generation antibiotics and steroids.”
While the association has not yet written to the Union health ministry, it emphasised that the issue requires urgent attention. “In India, no one really needs a prescription to buy drugs from offline chemist stores. We need to tighten the sale of this new category of weight-loss drugs before we start witnessing side effects similar to those reported in Western countries.”
IMA’s concern is in line with multiple doctors who told News18 that GLP-1 receptor agonists like tirzepatide (marketed as Eli Lilly’s Mounjaro) and semaglutide (marketed as Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy and Ozempic) are now being widely misused for cosmetic weight loss. OPDs and the emergency departments of hospitals across India are witnessing a surge in patients coming after suffering side effects of these drugs when used without medical supervision for quick weight loss.
The Danish drugmaker’s Wegovy was launched in India in July, and the American drugmaker’s Mounjaro was launched in March.
GST cut impact on health is positive
Asked about the expected impact of GST reduction on healthcare facilities, Bhanushali said: “In January, we met the CBIC director and requested the removal of GST on essential drugs. We explained that a common man with an income of Rs 5,000 a month cannot afford to spend Rs 2,000 on medicines with GST. Also, nearly 18-20 per cent of India’s population suffers from diabetes and hypertension, so affordability is critical.”
In March, the IMA again met the GST Council. “At both levels, our concerns were heard. The government has now decided to cut GST on cancer and other essential medicines and equipment.” A GST cut is also expected on term and health insurance policies. “This is going to create a massive impact.”
Hospitals impacted by delays under Ayushman Bharat
Starting August 7, the Haryana division of IMA had stalled the services given under Ayushman Bharat, touted as the world’s largest health insurance scheme.
“Prime Minister Modi launched the scheme with good intentions, aiming for health for all. However, out of 1,500 hospitals, only 70 are participating in Delhi-NCR. The main reasons are delayed payment cycles and unnecessary harassment,” the IMA chief said, commenting on the situation.
Bhanushali recalled that when the MoU was signed, a 15-day bill clearing cycle was promised, with a 1 per cent interest penalty in case of delays. “If the government does not even provide private hospitals with reimbursement rates that match CGHS, it becomes a financial burden on hospitals. Instead of putting money into this scheme, the government should strengthen public hospitals and improve their facilities and infrastructure.”
The IMA stressed that with just 1.9 per cent of GDP spent on healthcare, such schemes are unsustainable. “India must invest around 5 per cent of GDP in healthcare if it really wants to sustain such programmes. Even countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Pakistan invest more in healthcare than us.”
He explained that reimbursement delays are not limited to Haryana but also affect states such as Bihar, Rajasthan, Karnataka and Telangana. “A 20–50-bedded hospital cannot survive if payments are not released. Big hospitals may still manage for a few months because they have deep pockets, but smaller ones will collapse.”
In Haryana, doctors had withdrawn their strike only after the state government released a substantial amount out of Rs 700 crore in pending dues, and assured that the remaining amount would be released within 15 days. “If not, they have promised to pay 1 per cent penalty on the delayed amount.”
Centre needs to act on violence against doctors
The IMA chief also flagged the growing threat of violence against doctors. “For the first time, we saw huge public support for doctors during the RG Kar rape and murder case. The Supreme Court had directed security provisions such as separate changing rooms for women staff and CCTV cameras in sensitive areas, but nothing has been implemented on the ground. There is no follow-up.”
The association receives 4–5 complaints of violence against doctors daily. “Earlier, it was just verbal abuse. Now, people have taken law and order in their own hands. They bring revolvers and petrol cans into hospitals,” he said, calling for urgent legal protection.
While 23 states have laws on violence against doctors, the IMA described them as toothless. “The current law prescribes three years’ imprisonment and a bailable warrant. We are demanding seven years’ imprisonment and a non-bailable warrant.”
About the Author
Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India’s COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass…Read More
Himani Chandna, Associate Editor at CNN News18, specialises in healthcare and pharmaceuticals. With firsthand insights into India’s COVID-19 battle, she brings a seasoned perspective. She is particularly pass… Read More
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