In a significant development aimed at promoting transparency and ethical conduct within the pharmaceutical sector, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has rolled out the Uniform Code for Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024. This new code sets forth stringent guidelines prohibiting pharmaceutical companies from offering gifts, travel perks, or monetary benefits to healthcare professionals and their families.
Under the UCPMP, pharmaceutical entities are barred from providing gifts, cash incentives, or any form of monetary compensation to healthcare professionals, distributors, wholesalers, or retailers associated with their operations. Additionally, the code strictly prohibits the provision of travel facilities, including tickets for conferences or paid vacations, to healthcare professionals and their families.
The Department of Pharmaceuticals has stressed the importance of establishing Ethics Committees for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (ECPMP) within all pharmaceutical associations. Furthermore, companies are required to create dedicated UCPMP portals on their websites to facilitate the implementation and enforcement of the code.
In line with these regulations, drug promotion must adhere to marketing approval terms and cannot commence until approval is received from competent authorities. Companies must ensure that information about drugs is accurate, verifiable, and non-misleading, with prompt substantiation upon request.
Medical representatives are also subject to ethical standards, mandated to refrain from offering inducements or engaging in subterfuge to gain access to healthcare professionals. Payment for access to professionals is strictly prohibited under the UCPMP guidelines.
This proactive measure by the pharmaceutical industry reflects a commitment to upholding ethical standards and fostering transparent interactions between companies and healthcare professionals. By prioritizing integrity and accountability, the UCPMP aims to strengthen trust and confidence in the pharmaceutical sector.
