Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Used syringes found in stadium washrooms. Athletes failing dope tests. And now, doctors are being told to check what they prescribe.As doping cases rise across sports, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has asked doctors, hospitals and medical colleges across the country to be cautious while treating athletes. The concern is that banned substances may be entering sport not only through deliberate cheating, but also through contaminated supplements and even routine prescriptions.In a recent public notice, the NMC — following a communication from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports flagging rising doping cases — asked doctors to familiarise themselves with the World Anti-Doping Agency’s prohibited list and ensure that medicines containing banned ingredients are prescribed only when medically necessary and properly recorded.Medical colleges and institutions have been asked to sensitise faculty and practitioners on anti-doping regulations, particularly while treating athletes, and to promote responsible prescription practices. The NMC has also suggested integrating basic anti-doping awareness into undergraduate medical education and continuing professional development programmes wherever feasible.The move comes after a series of positive tests this year. Seven Indian athletes were provisionally suspended in 2025 by the National Anti-Doping Agency. On January 5, Uttarakhand cricketer Rajan Kumar tested positive for three banned substances.At several national and state meets, washrooms were reportedly found littered with used syringes, pointing to organised misuse of performance-enhancing drugs. The situation became serious enough for Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya to direct authorities to step up action.The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has warned that many doping cases are not always intentional. Athletes sometimes consume supplements that are mislabelled or contaminated. Others may unknowingly take prescription medicines that are banned under global anti-doping rules.A sport medicine specialist said, “Many general practitioners may not always be updated on frequent changes to the WADA prohibited list. A medicine that is routine for the general public — certain painkillers, steroids or even cough syrups — can result in a positive test for an athlete. Responsibility lies on both sides. Athletes must inform doctors that they are subject to dope testing, and doctors must verify whether a prescribed drug is permitted. If a banned medicine is medically necessary, it should be supported by a Therapeutic Use Exemption.”Officials have also raised concerns about imported supplements and products sold online that may contain prohibited substances. The ministry has called for stronger coordination with regulators such as the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to tighten oversight.The message is clear: fighting doping is no longer just about catching athletes. It now involves doctors, pharmacists, supplement sellers and regulators — all of whom play a role in keeping sport clean.
