Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare Criticizes Non-Mandatory Status of New Pharmaceutical Marketing Code
Pune, 18th March 2024: The Alliance of Doctors for Ethical Healthcare (ADEH) has voiced concerns over the non-mandatory status of the new Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP), stating that it is merely a form of “window dressing” that fails to address the underlying issues of corruption and unethical practices within the pharmaceutical industry.
ADEH emphasized that the new UCPMP, which is not compulsory for pharmaceutical companies, echoes the ineffectiveness of its predecessor announced in 2015. Without any repercussions from authorities, pharmaceutical companies can continue engaging in corrupt practices and disseminating misleading information about the efficacy and safety of their medications to both medical professionals and the general public.
In a press release, ADEH expressed disappointment in the government’s approach, noting that while pharmaceutical industry associations are encouraged to ensure compliance with the code, there are no penalties or enforcement mechanisms in place. The only consequence of non-compliance is the potential loss of membership in the relevant association.
Furthermore, ADEH criticized the reliance on voluntary marketing codes, citing global experiences that demonstrate their inefficacy in curbing unethical practices. The organization views the government’s decision as a capitulation to corporate interests within the pharmaceutical sector.
Of particular concern to ADEH are the detrimental effects of pharmaceutical companies’ unethical marketing practices on patient welfare and healthcare costs. The practice of providing incentives and freebies to doctors not only inflates drug prices but also promotes the use of irrational Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs), which pose risks to patients due to unnecessary exposure to potentially harmful medications and increased antimicrobial resistance.
In light of these concerns, ADEH calls on the government to make the UCPMP mandatory, emphasizing the need for concrete measures to regulate pharmaceutical marketing practices and safeguard public health.
