Government Introduces Uniform Code To Regulate Unethical Practices In Pharma Industry

The Union Government on Tuesday notified a Uniform Code for Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices (UCPMP) banning pharma firms from sponsoring healthcare professionals and thus regulating the companies against engaging in unethical practices. The Uniform Code bans pharma firms from organising doctors” programs abroad including the offer of accommodation, costly cuisine and other monetary grants.

The code also prohibits any type of gifting to healthcare professionals from pharma companies or agents, but it exempts cases where a doctor will be attending a seminar as a speaker in Continuing Medical Education (CME) or Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes. The code permits such events, seminars and workshops only in a transparent circumstance and directs the pharma companies to disclose the details of such events.

However, the new law aims to curb drug promotion through unethical pharmaceutical marketing practices using the health care professionals” endorsement and promotion. The UCPMP asks medical representatives to distance themselves from paying to access the doctors for their drug promotions. The companies according to the code would be held accountable for the actions of the medical professionals.

The Department of Pharmaceuticals has directed all pharmaceutical associations to establish ethics committees with three or five members to monitor marketing practices. It has also asked to reveal the information of all complaints. A drug can only be promoted after receiving market approval, according to the Uniform Code for Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024. The word ‘safe’ can also not be used in the drug without qualification.

The code also asks the pharma associations to upload the Uniform Code for Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices (UCPMP) on their websites. The companies should also include comprehensive procedures for registering complaints.