(a) whether the Government proposes to set up a separate intelligence cum legal cell in the
Central Drug Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to check the menace of spurious drugs in
the country and to reward people who provide information in this regard;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government proposes to implement a common
code of ethics for the pharmaceutical industry; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI DINESH TRIVEDI)
(a) & (b): The Government has announced a reward scheme for whistle blowers in the fight against
the menace of spurious drugs, cosmetics and medical devices. The eligibility of the informer
and the quantum of cash reward would be examined by a committee headed by the Director General
of Health Services. However, there is no proposal to set up a separate intelligence cum legal
cell in the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) to check the menace of spurious
drugs in the country. The details of the policy are available at the website www.cdsco.nic.in
(c) & (d): The Department of Pharmaceuticals has informed that there were some reports in the
newspapers in the recent past regarding promotional expenses being made by the Pharma Companies.
The reports suggest that these are some unethical marketing practices being followed by certain
pharma companies. Keeping in view the seriousness of the allegations made in the media reports,
that Department 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, that Department has been able to persuade most of the associations to have some
Code of ethics. It may further be stated that the manufacture and sale of drugs, is regulated
under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, made thereunder.
Under the said Act no person shall manufacture for sale or distribution or sell or stock or
exhibit or offer for sale, distribute any drug except under and in accordance with the
conditions of the licences issued for such purposes.