Common Code of ethics for Pharmaceutical Industry

Rajya Sabha

There were some reports in the newspapers in the recent past regarding promotional expenses being made by the Pharma companies. The reports suggest 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, Department of Pharmaceuticals 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 has been able to persuade most of the associations to have Code of ethics. Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) and Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association have informed that they alongwith Confederation of Indian Pharmaceutical Industry (CIPI), Federation Pharmaceutical Entrepreneurs (FOPE), Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) and SME Pharma Industries Confederation (SPIC) have worked out the ‘Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices’ (UCMP).

This information was given by the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri Srikant Kumar Jena in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.

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PKM/SB