OPPI asks Department of Pharma to make UCPMP a statutory code

Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India (OPPI) has urged the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) to make its Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) a statutory code in the best interests of patients and the industry.
This would lead to increased levels of transparency and accountability across the healthcare industry and remove ambiguity on all aspects of pharmaceutical marketing, OPPI Director General Ranjana Smetacek said here today.
"A statutory code would work as a ready reference and guide in pharmaceutical marketing. I believe the real test for our industry would be when the code is actually put into practice, though we would also need co-operation and support from the Medical Council of India as well as the Indian Medical Association," Smetacek said.

OPPI had provided inputs to the DoP when it was drawing up UCPMP, but it has remained a voluntary code of marketing practices for the Indian pharmaceutical industry. For the code to be implemented in its true spirit, it needs to be made statutory, Smetacek said.
Since UCPMP covers areas ranging from promotional material and gifts for medical practitioners to event invitations, statutory compliance would remove all subjectivity and create a level playing field for all drug manufacturers, she said.
OPPI represents "research-based" pharmaceutical companies in India, engaging with the government and other stakeholders to find sustainable healthcare solutions.
OPPI members follow OPPI's Code of Pharmaceutical Practices, based on the 'International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations' Code 2012, which covers interactions with healthcare professionals, medical institutions and patient organisations.

OPPI has 'Ethics and Compliance' as one of its three objectives.