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.Israel attacks IranUS F-15 down in Kuwait? Iran shares video showing fighter jet engulfed in flames, pilots ejectingIranian state media claims US fighter jet downed in Kuwait; explosions in Bahrain, Dubai, DohaIsrael bombs Hezbollah targets in Beirut; Gulf nations vow to defend themselves — key pointsMedical 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.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosPM Modi Speaks To Saudi Crown Prince And Bahrain King, Condemns Iran AttacksMamata Banerjee Vows Bengal Poll Win Despite Voter Deletions, Abhishek Claims BJP Won’t Pass 50 SeatsUS-ISRAEL-IRAN WAR: How Will It Impact India’s Oil, Trade & Air Travel| EXPLAINED‘Not for the People’: Shah Accuses Mamata of Pushing Dynasty PoliticsStill Reeling From India’s Strikes, Pakistan’s Nur Khan Air Base Hit Again By Taliban DronesUN Rights Chief Praises India’s Civil Society And Condemns Human Rights Abuses In Pakistan And ChinaKhomeini’s Indian Connection: Ahmad Hindi, Barabanki, and the Legacy Behind Iran’s First Supreme LeaderPM Modi Uses T20 Cricket Analogy For India-Canada Partnership At CEO Forum, Carney Smiles’Arise, Awake, And Stop Not’: Canada PM Carney Quotes Vivekananda To Announce India-Canada Tie ResetDINK Couples in India Explained | Why More Married Couples Are Choosing No Kids123PhotostoriesExclusive: The 50s Monalisa opens up on feeling sidelined by TV actors, hits back at Rajat Dalal and reacts to plastic surgery remarks about Nikki TamboliTop 5 Harrison Ford films to watch on OTT: ‘What Lies Beneath’, ‘The Age of Adaline’ and ‘Air Force One’10 black-coloured foods and why you should eat more of themAll eyes are on stylish newlyweds Rashmika Mandanna-Vijay Deverakonda as they join Allu Arjun at Sirish’s pre-wedding soiréeZendaya & Tom Holland; Billy Crudup & Naomi Watts: Celebs who secretly tied the knot away from the spotlightUS-Israel attack on Iran: Khamenei’s death, Iran’s retaliation and military arsenals in action- in picsFeeling exhausted? 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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.
