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The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), a subsection of the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, has recently encouraged the pharmaceutical industry to follow the voluntary Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP). This announcement has sparked many conversations regarding the ethical marketing practices in the pharmaceutical sector.
The Push for Mandatory UCPMP
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), doctors, civil society, the Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare (ADEH), and patient groups have been urging the government to impose the UCPMP as a mandatory code. Their argument centers around the belief that the UCPMP holds no substantial value unless it becomes compulsory for all pharmaceutical companies to adhere to it. The DoP has also advised pharmaceutical companies to maintain ethical promotional practices during medical conferences.
Understanding the Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices
The UCPMP is a compilation of guidelines that were published by the Central Government in December 2014. These guidelines are designed to guide the pharmaceutical industry in the ethical promotion and marketing of drugs and medical devices. Currently, the UCPMP is voluntary and does not possess the force of law. As per Clause 7.2 of the UCPMP, it restricts pharmaceutical companies and their representatives from extending any form of hospitality, such as hotel accommodation, to healthcare practitioners and their families under any circumstance.
Past Instances and the Need for Stricter Regulation
In the past, there have been numerous occasions where pharmaceutical companies have sidestepped the regulations set out by the UCPMP. These breaches typically involved the arrangement of accommodation in luxury hotels or local sightseeing trips during medical conferences, which is considered unethical. Experts have called for the implementation of compulsory mechanisms for company disclosures of payments to doctors and professional bodies, including those made through third parties. These disclosures should include critical information such as the payment amount, recipient, reasoning, and any services rendered.
About the Indian Medical Association
The Indian Medical Association is the only nationwide voluntary organization representing Doctors of Modern Scientific System of Medicine in India. Its mission is to protect the interests of doctors while also promoting the wellbeing of the community at large. As a founding member of the World Medical Association, IMA notably hosted the 3rd World Conference on Medical Education in New Delhi in 1966.
Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare
The Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare is a pan-Indian network of medical professionals dedicated to addressing malpractices, systemic issues, and policy matters related to healthcare. Their goal is to establish a critical social demand necessary to implement Universal Healthcare in India.
