Rama Prasad: Sydney Ayurveda Centre doctor in probe over autism claims
An eastern suburbs doctor who claims he can reverse autism in children has copped a temporary ban. It comes as details were revealed on the effects of a controversial pill, which is alleged to have been prescribed by the health worker to patients, including one who had to seek professional help.
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A Sydney doctor is being investigated by the health watchdog over claims his treatments can reverse autism and prescribing medication that left one patient seeking professional help.
Dr Rama Prasad, who is the clinical director of Sydney Ayurveda Centre and works out of an office in Bondi Junction, is in the sights of the Health Care Complaints Commission who have obtained an interim order preventing him from practising for eight weeks
The controversial doctor is alleged by the HCCC to have prescribed “manasamitra pills” to children and adults, according to the watchdog.
The pills were allegedly found to have contained elevated levels of lead and other heavy metals, with one patient having to seek help from the South Eastern Sydney Public Health Unit after taking the medication.
Other clients in the state who may have also been placed at risk have been contacted by NSW Health, the HCCC said in a statement.
“The AAA does not promote the use of “Manasamitra Vatika” (Manasamitra Pills),” a spokesman for the Australasian Association of Ayuvera said.
Dr Prasad is not a member of the AAA, who added they would assist in any investigation if required.
“The AAA strongly recommends to all its members not to use any material that contains heavy metals,” the spokesman said.
The HCCC has issued a public warning about consuming manasamitra pills and the risks with ayurvedic medication, which some proponents say can reverse autism.
Dr Prasad is currently banned from providing any health services paid or voluntary to members of the public after the HCCC obtained an eight-week interim order, the watchdog said.
The eastern suburbs-based doctor has controversially claimed his treatments can reverse several aspects of autism and is one of the leading figures in ayurvedic medication, a herbal natural treatment which comes from “ancient Indian wisdom” and is the “mother of all healing sciences”, according to a 2015 presentation by Dr Prasad.
In addition to his eastern suburbs practice, Dr Prasad also worked at Anahata Therapies in Mosman from 2012 to 2014 as an Ayuveda doctor.
The HCCC is urging patients who have sought out alternative therapies to do their research before embarking on a course of medication.