Lok Sabha Question No. 1973 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2024-08-02
Subject: Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices, 2024
Ministry: CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Asked by: Shri Kaushalendra Kumar, Shri Dinesh Chandra Yadav

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 1973 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 02 ND  AUGUST, 2024

Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices, 2024

## 1973 Shri Kaushalendra Kumar: Shri Dinesh Chandra Yadav:

Will the Minister of CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS be pleased to state:

(a)  whether Government has released a new marketing code for pharmaceutical companies namely the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP), 2024 ;

(b) if so, the details of the codes and features of these new guidelines;

(c) whether it is fact that a section of doctors and public health organization have objected to these guidelines as firms are likely to continue with their unethical marketing practices, if so, the response of the Government thereto;

(d) whether it is also a fact that this new code is a modified version of a similar code which came in the year 2015 and the same loopholes are still available in the new code; and (e) if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER

## THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a)  &  (b):  Yes  Sir.  The  Department  of  Pharmaceuticals  has  notified  the Uniform  Code  for Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices (UCPMP) on 12th March 2024. The UCPMP 2024 is a set of guidelines to prevent unethical marketing practices by the pharmaceutical companies. It aims to ensure that promotion of pharmaceutical products is done in a responsible manner. The Code  provides  for  the  manner  in  which  drugs  are  to  be  promoted  before  the  healthcare professionals. The Pharmaceutical companies should be responsible and liable for conduct of their Medical Representatives or other such employees. The Code prohibits supply of gifts, monetary benefits, and hospitality to healthcare professionals or to their family members by the pharmaceutical companies. There is a two layered complaint adjudication mechanism under the Code, where the appeal lies with the Department of Pharmaceuticals.

(c):  As far as Department of Pharmaceuticals is concerned, no objection has been received from the Doctors and Public Health Organizations.

(d) & (e):  The new code i.e. UCPMP 2024 is a significant improvement of its earlier version i.e. UCPMP 2015. It provides for obligations in the form of self-declaration for adherence to the  Code,  disclosure  of  expenditure  on  conference,  seminar  or  workshop  organized  for Continuing  Medical  Education.  The  pharmaceutical  companies  are  subject  to  independent, random,  or  risk-based  audit.  The  Appellate  Committee  under  the  UCPMP  Code,  2024  is responsible for appeal matters under the Code, which was earlier within the Pharma Industry Association,  and  now  it  is  with  the  Department  of  Pharmaceuticals.  The  pharmaceutical companies  could  face  action  in  accordance  with  extant  laws  by  relevant  government departments, based on the contraventions detected during the administration of the UCPMP, 2024.

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