Pharma Freebies to Doctors: CEO of Pharma Co to be held responsible for malpractices, Dr Harsh Vardhan informs parliament

Published On 2019-07-13 06:43 GMT | Update On 2019-07-13 06:43 GMT

New Delhi: Malpractices of pharma freebies to doctors will soon see disciplinary action on not just doctors but the CEO of the pharma companies indulging in the unethical marketing practices.

Confirmation to this effect was recently made by Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan to the Lok Sabha as the minister elaborated on the action taken on the corrupt practices

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan Friday said the code of conduct for medical practitioners prohibits doctors from taking gifts, travel facilities, hospitality or cash from pharmaceutical and allied health sector industry.

Vardhan also said in Lok Sabha that the government has received some complaints of unethical marketing practices by pharmaceutical companies and the CEOs of such companies will be held responsible for such malpractices.

The minister said the code of conduct for doctors in their relationship with pharmaceutical and allied sector industry of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulation, 2002 prohibits doctors from taking gifts, travel facilities, hospitality and cash or monetary grants from pharmaceutical and allied health sector industry.

Read Also: Pharma Freebies over Rs 1000 to doctors not allowed- New Code

The said regulation empowers the Medical Council of India and respective State Medical Councils to award punishment to a doctor against any act in violation of code of Ethics for doctors, he said during Question Hour.

Vardhan said such complaints are referred by MCI to the State Medical Councils concerned where doctors and medical practitioners are registered. The MCI is an Appellate Authority.

The minister said the Department of Pharmaceuticals has received some complaints of unethical marketing practices by pharmaceutical companies.

Vardhan said as informed by Department of Pharmaceuticals, the complaints received are forwarded to Pharma Associations concerned for necessary action as per provisions of Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP), as prepared by Department of Pharmaceuticals.

The Managing Director or CEO of the pharma company is ultimately responsible for ensuring adherence to the code, he said.

Read Also: Soon, GST on Pharmaceutical companies freebies

Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.

NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.

Medical Dialogues Bureau

Medical Dialogues Bureau consists of a team of passionate medical/scientific writers, led by doctors and healthcare researchers. Our team efforts to bring you updated and timely news about the important happenings of the medical and healthcare sector. Our editorial team can be reached at editorial@medicaldialogues.in.

Comments Policy

Our comments section is governed by our Comments Policy . By posting comments at Medical Dialogues you automatically agree with our Comments Policy , Terms And Conditions and Privacy Policy .