The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has recently rolled out a new Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) aimed at curbing unethical marketing practices in the pharmaceutical industry. This new code will require drug firms to adhere to strict guidelines governing their marketing expenditures, with the DoP establishing a panel of auditors to conduct risk-based audits. The implementation of the code will follow a hub-and-spoke model where pharma associations will have their own UCPMP portal linked to the main portal of the DoP, with oversight provided by the government's policy division.
Under the UCPMP, pharma associations representing the industry are required to ensure strict compliance with the code, including the formation of a five-member Ethics Committee for Pharma Manufacturing Practices (ECPMP) and setting up dedicated portals on their websites. Violating the norms outlined in the UCPMP 2024 can lead to penalties ranging from monetary recovery to suspension or expulsion from the association. Additionally, the responsibility for compliance lies with the Chief Executive Officer of each pharma company, who must submit a self-declaration annually to the respective pharma association or directly to the UCPMP portal of the DoP.
One significant aspect allowed under the UCPMP is the continuation of medical education activities, which permit pharma companies to host educational conferences for medical practitioners. However, there are strict guidelines around promotional activities, prohibiting the promotion of drugs before regulatory approval, supply of free samples to unqualified individuals, and offering gifts or travel facilities to healthcare professionals. The code also emphasizes the provision of balanced, accurate, and non-misleading information about drugs to consumers and healthcare providers.