People's Democracy

Nailing The Lies

False Claim: There is no such Divya Pharmacy in Rishikesh. Ramdev’s pharmacy is called Divya Yog Pharmacy in Kankhal so the whole allegation is false.

Fact: The Ramdev Trust does use the name Divya Pharmacy as can be seen in their website. The Kankhal pharmacy is on the Rishikesh road. The main point in any case is not the covering letter but the receipts and bills for the medicines handed over which carry the letterhead of the said pharmacy.

False Claim; The health ministry has not confirmed the presence of animal or human DNA in the medicines.

Fact: The health minister in his statement has confirmed that animal and human DNA has been found in the medicines sent for testing.

False Claim: The medicines have been tampered with.

Fact: The pharmacy is part of the treatment centre and medicine is dispensed by the vaids in the centre in Kankhal. The medicine was bought after the vaid diagnosed in one case "sexual weakness" for which the medicine "Yaunamrit Bati" was prescribed. The other medicine prescribed was Kuliya Bhasm for treatment of epilepsy.The prescriptions for the said medicines, the cash and memo bills with the computer numbers as well as the sealed bottles and packet was handed over to the health ministry.

False Claim: Those who have made the complaint are not workers of the said Pharmacy.

Fact: The workers who made the complaint have shown their ID cards of the pharmacy.

False Claim: The Uttaranchal government was not informed .

Fact: In May 2005, a signed memorandum was give by the workers of the said pharmacy to several authorities listing their complaints, namely, (1) illegal dismissal of workers from the pharmacy for protesting against violation of minimum wage, over eight hours working day etc. (2) that animal and human bones were used in some medicines. The authorities concerned included President of India, Governor, Chief Minister, District Magistrate etc. An application was also given to CITU and CPI(M) leaders. No one acted except the CITU and the CPI(M).

It is also to be noted that the attempt now to get samples of the medicines for testing is absurd because clearly no evidence will be available. What is required is an independent fact finding investigation to establish whether the medicines were actually purchased from the pharmacy, the testimonies of the workers and collection of any other evidence that such materials were being used. Otherwise it will be nothing but a cover-up.