Uniform Code of Pharma Marketing Practice
There were some reports in the newspapers in regarding promotional expenses being made by the Pharma Companies. The reports suggested that some unethical marketing practices are being followed by certain pharma companies. Keeping in view the seriousness of the allegations made in the media reports, this Department felt the need to take up the matter in the interest of the consumers/patients as such promotional expenses being extended to doctors had direct implications on the pricing of drugs and its affordability. After discussing the issues with the Pharma Associations/Industry, this Department prepared a draft ‘Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices’ (UCPMP) to be adopted voluntarily in the first instance. The UCPMP was put up on the Department’s website www.pharmaceuticals.gov.in for inviting the comments from all the stakeholders. The comments received were examined and final draft UCPMP was prepared and circulated to pharma associations for their comments. The comments received are being examined.”
This information was given by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilisers, Shri Srikant Kumar Jena in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
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NSK/DB