Question : ENDORSEMENT OF FOOD PRODUCTS BY IMA

(a) whether the Government has drawn any code of Ethics to be observed by the doctors of Indian Medical Association (IMA) regarding their endorsement of food products;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether reports of endorsement of some food products by the IMA have been received in violation of the said Code;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad has conducted any study in this regard and the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sent any notice for the violation of the Code of Ethics;and

(f) if so, the details thereof alongwith the action taken/proposed to be taken by the Government thereon?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)

(a) & (b) The Indian Medical Council (Professional conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 were amended by Medical Council of India with the prior approval of Government of India by inserting a new Clause 6.8. Sub-Clause (h) of Clause 6.8 of these Regulations states that a medical practitioner shall not endorse any drug or product of the industry publically. Any study conducted on the efficacy or other wise of such products shall be presented to and/or through appropriate scientific bodies or published on appropriate scientific journals in a proper way.

(c) & (d) The Ministry has received a complaint relating to endorsement of some food products by the Indian Medical Association in 2009. The complaint was forwarded to Medical Council of India for appropriate action.

(e) & (f) The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare is not aware of any study conducted by National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad or notice of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).