India Tightens Pharma Marketing Rules, Bans Gifts to Doctors

New Delhi, July 24 – The central government has introduced a suite of stringent measures under the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024 to curb unethical promotion by drug manufacturers. Under the new framework, pharmaceutical firms must establish an Ethics Committee for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (ECPMP), appoint a dedicated Ethics Officer, and set up a two‑tier grievance redressal system.

Companies are required to submit a self‑declaration confirming compliance with the code and disclose the total amount allocated to marketing activities. The code also mandates the public reporting of expenses related to Continuing Medical Education (CME) and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) events such as conferences, seminars and workshops.

The reforms aim to eliminate the practice of offering gifts, cash incentives, hospitality or any other benefits to doctors or their families. Any breach may trigger an independent, random or risk‑based audit, and unresolved complaints will be escalated to the Pharmaceuticals Division for final appeal.

These provisions were presented in Parliament on Friday, reinforcing the government's commitment to transparent drug promotion and ethical interaction between health professionals and pharmaceutical representatives.