Mulling a uniform code of pharma marketing practices: Govt

NEW DELHI: The government today said it is examining the possibility of framing a uniform code of pharmaceutical marketing practices ( UCPMP) in order to prevent "unethical marketing practices" by pharma firms.

In a written reply to a query in Lok Sabha, Minister of State in the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers Srikant Kumar Jena said: "The Department (of Pharmaceuticals) is now examining the possibility of framing a uniform code of pharmaceutical marketing practices (UCPMP), which would be in the first instance be adopted voluntarily."

He was responding to a query on whether the companies were luring doctors to "prescribe costly and unwanted drugs" and what steps were being taken by the government to check the situation.

The minister said there were reports in newspapers that some unethical marketing practices were being followed by certain pharma companies.

"Keeping in view the allegations made in the media reports, this Department felt the need to take up the matter in the interest of the consumers/patents as such promotional expenses being extended to doctors had direct implications on the pricing of drugs and its affordability," Jena said.

He added that after discussing the issues with the pharma associations/industry, the Department has been able to persuade most of the associations to have code of ethics.