New Rules: New rules issued for pharma companies, crores of people will benefit

The government has issued a new marketing code for pharma companies. The government has notified a Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) to regulate unfair marketing practices in the pharma industry by prohibiting companies from organizing seminars abroad for healthcare professionals or providing them hotel accommodation, expensive meals or Prevents from offering monetary benefits. This will be monitored by the Pharma Association. Pharma Association will give information about the code on the website.

As per the code notified by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), no gifts should be given to healthcare professionals or their family members for personal gain. It also prohibits the supply of free samples to people who are not qualified to prescribe such products.

Permission to promote medicine only after approval

It has been said in the new rules that gifts like monetary benefits, tours, free tickets to doctors will also be banned. Doctors’ families will also come under the purview of the rules. Apart from this, it has been said that the medicine will be allowed to be promoted only after approval.

How can one complain against the company?

Under the Pharma Marketing Code, there is a provision to complain to the Pharma Industry Association, while one can also complain to the Pharmaceutical Department. As per rules the complainant identity will be kept secret. Action will be taken within 90 days of receiving the complaint, which will have to be decided by the Ethics Committee. If the rules are violated, action can be taken against the company.