Parliament Question: Malpractices in Pharma Companies

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 5529 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 27TH MARCH 2026 Malpractices in Pharma Companies

5529. Shri Anil Yeshwant Desai:

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

(a) whether it is a fact that in order to increase the sale of their medicines a number of pharma companies are extending undue favours to doctors for prescribing drugs and medicines of their companies, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether the Government has taken note that foreign trips and luxurious tours have also been offered to doctors to get undue favours from the doctors, if so, the details thereof and if not the reasons therefor; and

(c) whether any license of doctors or such pharmaceutical companies have been cancelled and punishment awarded during the last five years in this regard, if so the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a) to (c): 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 Code prohibits supply of gifts, monetary benefits, and hospitality to healthcare professionals or to their family members by the pharmaceutical companies. It also provides an operational framework, including procedures for filing, examination and disposal of complaints, along with provisions for penalties in case of violations.

Further, as per the information provided by National Medical Commission, under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Clause 6.8 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, prescribes code of conduct for doctors in their relationship with pharmaceutical and allied health sector industry.Further, Clause 8.2 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, states that any complaint with regard to professional misconduct can be brought before the appropriate Medical Council for disciplinary action. Upon receipt of any complaint of professional misconduct, the appropriate Medical Council would hold an enquiry and give opportunity to the registered medical practitioner to be heard in person or by pleader.

If the medical practitioner is found to be guilty of committing professional misconduct, the appropriate Medical Council may award such punishment as deemed necessary or may direct the removal altogether or for a specified period, from the register of the name of the delinquent registered practitioner. Deletion from the register shall be widely publicized in local press as well as in the publications of different Medical Associations/ Societies/ Bodies.

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