Question : Code of Conduct for Pharma Companies

(a) whether the Government proposes to direct all pharma companies to put an end to the practice of offering money/gifts to doctors for promotion and sale of their drugs;
(b) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor;
(c) whether the Government proposes for a code of conduct to be followed by the pharma companies as well which may be binding in nature and prevents the pharma companies from gifting doctors; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?

(a) to (d): The Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) announced by the Department of Pharmaceuticals in December, 2014 and which is in operation since 01.01.2015 provides guidance to the industry for promotion and marketing of drugs and medical devices. At present the code is voluntarily adopted and complied with by the pharma industry. UCPMP is available on the website of the Department of Pharmaceuticals www.pharmaceuticals.gov.in.

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