Doping crisis grows, doctors told to be careful prescribing drugs

New Delhi: A used syringe was found in a stadium washroom. Athletes fail doping tests. Doctors are now being told to check the prescriptions they write.With doping cases on the rise in sports, the National Medical Council (NMC) has asked doctors, hospitals and medical colleges across the country to exercise caution while treating athletes. The concern is that banned substances may enter sport not only through deliberate cheating, but also through contaminated supplements or even regular prescriptions.In a recent announcement, the National Medicines Council asked doctors to familiarize themselves with WADA’s banned list and ensure that drugs containing banned ingredients are prescribed only when medically necessary and properly documented, after the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports informed about rising doping cases.Medical schools and institutions are asked to increase awareness of anti-doping regulations among faculty and practitioners, particularly when treating athletes, and to promote responsible prescribing practices. The NMC also recommends that basic anti-doping awareness be integrated into undergraduate medical education and continuing professional development programs where feasible.The move follows a series of positive tests this year. In 2025, seven Indian athletes were provisionally suspended by the National Anti-Doping Agency. On January 5, Uttarakhand cricketer Rajan Kumar tested positive for three banned substances.Restrooms at several national and state conferences have reportedly been found littered with used syringes, suggesting organized abuse of performance-enhancing drugs. The situation became so serious that Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya directed the 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 mislabeled or contaminated. Others may unknowingly take prescription drugs prohibited by global anti-doping rules.A sports medicine expert said: “Many GPs may not always be aware of the frequent changes to WADA’s banned list. Medications commonly used by the general public – certain painkillers, steroids and even cough syrups – can cause athletes to test positive. The responsibility lies with both parties. Athletes must inform their doctor that they need to undergo a doping test, and the doctor must verify whether the prescribed medication is allowed. If a banned drug is medically necessary, it should be supported by a therapeutic use exemption. “Officials are also concerned about imported supplements and products sold online that may contain banned substances. The ministry has called for greater coordination with regulatory agencies such as the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India to strengthen regulation.The message is clear: the fight against doping is no longer just about catching athletes. Now it involves doctors, pharmacists, supplement sellers and regulators – all of whom have a role to play in keeping sports clean.