Pharma firms get time to adopt uniform marketing code

The Department of Pharmaceutical has issued a notification to the pharma sector, extending the period for voluntary adoption of the uniform marketing code. No fresh date has been given for compliance, but it is learnt that the department is working on a pharma marketing policy before making the uniform code mandatory for the sector. 

The idea behind a uniform code is to ensure fair marketing in the sector. Medical device makers, too, will have to comply with the norms. 

The government is giving itself time to make a substantial policy on mandatory fair marketing practices to be followed by drug manufacturers and device manufacturers, an official said.

 

Industry bodies have been in touch with the government, making representations on the Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP). 

The government will need to focus on the seller side, too, including on how doctors approach the marketing of a particular drug, a source said. By extending the period of voluntary adoption of UCPMP, the smaller companies will get time to adjust. 

Another view in the industry is that before looking at the UCPMP , the government should focus on Medical Council of India regulations to keep a check on doctors. UCPMP can be taken up on a case-to-case basis. 

Meanwhile, the Department of Pharmaceuticals has asked companies to submit a report to the government on what action the companies have taken in fair marketing practices. The government initially issued a notification of voluntary adoption of UCPMP in January 2015 for a period of six months.

It was extended up to June 30, 2016. This time, the extension does not have a time line, saying “till further orders”.