Existing pharma marketing practices code is adequate: Centre tells SC

Says Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance's investigation report cleared Dolo-650 maker, Micro Labs, of allegations of bribing doctors with freebies worth Rs 1,000 crore

The Centre has defended the Universal Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) in the country’s apex court, saying that the existing framework to monitor marketing practices of drug firms is working fine.

N Yuvraj, joint secretary, Department of Pharmaceuticals, said in a submission to the Supreme Court that the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance’s (IPA) investigation report cleared Dolo-650 maker, Micro Labs, of allegations of bribing doctors with freebies worth Rs 1,000 crore.

The IPA, whose members account for 60 per cent of India’s domestic pharmaceutical market and about 80 per cent of India’s exports, has said in an investigation report submitted