Dr Reddy's, Piramal asked to clarify on sponsoring doctors

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has sought clarification from pharma majors Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Mumbai-based Piramal Healthcare for allegedly sponsoring doctors for conferences.

According to Ketan D Desai, president, Medical Council of India (MCI), the two companies have not provided the list of doctors sponsored by them.

Sources in DCGI confirmed having issued letters to the companies seeking information on doctors allegedly sponsored by them.

“It is against MCI rules. No doctor should accept any kind of favours and gifts from pharma companies. The companies did not respond properly when we sought the names of doctors and their registration numbers. We have no option but to approach DCGI to get the details from the companies,” Desai said.

He said Dr Reddy’s sponsored a conference recently in Hyderabad and allegedly bore all the expenses of the doctors who attended it. Piramal Healthcare allegedly sponsored a group of doctors to attend a conference on diabetes in Turkey.

When contacted, G V Prasad, vice-chairman and CEO, Dr Reddy’s, downplayed the issue, saying they received a letter from DCGI seeking some information which they had provided.

Taking serious note of the issue, Desai said if the companies continued to give them vague replies, they would take up the issue with the health ministry.