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Govt summons pharma company chiefs to submit undertaking on ethical practices
In a circular dated May 28, the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) announced that this self-declaration form applies for the financial year 2024-25 (FY25) under the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024. Pharmaceutical companies are required to comply strictly with this form.
- By Newsdesk
- New Delhi
- May 30, 2024
The government has directed the CEOs of all pharmaceutical companies to submit a compliance form by June 30, adhering to a code against unethical marketing, shifting from a voluntary practice to a quasi-statutory one.
In a circular dated May 28, the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) announced that this self-declaration form applies for the financial year 2024-25 (FY25) under the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024. Pharmaceutical companies are required to comply strictly with this form.
The circular stated that the DoP has issued self-declaration forms to be submitted to the government by June 30, following the code’s prescribed procedures.
The form obligates pharmaceutical companies to adhere to UCPMP 2024 and support authorities in enforcing the code.
The UCPMP is designed to prevent unethical drug marketing and prohibit medical representatives from using inducements to influence healthcare professionals. Since 2015, pharmaceutical companies have adhered to a voluntary marketing code. The new DoP code, notified in March 2024, has a quasi-statutory nature.
The code mandates pharmaceutical industry association members to submit a self-declaration form within two months after the fiscal year ends, confirming compliance with the UCPMP.
According to the code, the CEO of a pharmaceutical company is responsible for compliance. The CEO must submit a self-declaration in the specified format within two months after the fiscal year ends to the relevant pharmaceutical association for online publication.
If a CEO is not a member of any pharmaceutical association or is part of multiple ones, the declaration should be submitted to the DoP's UCPMP portal.
The code also requires each pharmaceutical association to establish a five-member ethics panel and create a portal linked to the UCPMP website.
If a code breach is confirmed, the ethics committee may recommend suspending or expelling the company from the association.