UCPMP (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Health)

News-CRUX-10     14th March 2024        
QEP Pocket Notes

Context: The Central Government recently rolled out a Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) for pharmaceutical companies.


Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP)

  • Implementation: UCPMP 2024 aims to regulate unethical practices within the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Updated Guidelines: The guidelines cover areas such as drug endorsement, promotion, ethical conduct for medical representatives, and interactions with healthcare professionals.
  • Important Provisions:
  • Prohibition of Gifts and Travel Facilities: Pharma companies are barred from offering gifts or travel facilities to healthcare professionals or their families.
  • Ethical Conduct for Medical Representatives: Medical representatives are prohibited from using inducements or subterfuge to gain access to healthcare professionals.
  • Company Accountability: Pharma companies are held responsible for the actions of their medical representatives.
  • Ban on Free Samples Distribution: Free samples cannot be provided to individuals unqualified to prescribe the product.
  • Establishment of Ethics Committee: Pharmaceutical associations must form an Ethics Committee and a dedicated UCPMP portal on their websites.
  • Guidelines for Drug Promotion: Specific rules outline how drugs can be promoted, emphasizing balance, accuracy, and non-misleading information.
  • Penalties and Complaint Handling: Detailed penalties for violations are specified, and complaints are addressed by the Ethics Committee for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (ECPMP).
QEP Pocket Notes