Question : GIFT TO DOCTORS BY PHARMA COMPANIES

(a) the steps taken so far to prohibit doctors from accepting gifts from pharmaceutical companies in the country;

(b) whether the Medical Council of India (MCI) has sought legislation to regulate the pharmaceutical industry`s practice of giving freebies and gifts to doctors to prescribe and promote their products;

(c) if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether his Ministry proposes to take up the matter with the Department of Pharmaceutical to bring in a legislation to restrain pharmaceutical companies from such activities and also to disclose payment made by them to doctors; and

(e) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) to (c) 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 which states that a medical practitioner shall not endorse any drug or product of the industry publically. Any study conducted on the efficancy 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.

(d)&(e): Although some preliminary observations have been made by the MCI, however,there is no specific proposal to take up the matter with Department of Pharmaceuticals at this stage.