GOVT ACTION ON PHARMA FIRMS FOR BRIBING DOCS

In TIMES OF INDIA on 5th Jan,2009 given that, the department of pharmaceuticals has indeed taken note of the dubious practices reported by TOI on Dec 15, but in a surprisingly mild, almost apologetic tone. Joint Secretary wrote to various drug manufacturer associations on Dec 18 citing the TOI report, but the letter suggests he would be "greateful" if the associations acted on suggestions made by the department. The secretary had earlier hald a meeting of various pharma associations in Mumbai in which he made several suggestions to the industry. The letter admits:"the allegations cannot be in any way treated as ethical and something that could be endorsed by society in general. This also puts the pharma industry in a bad light since the enhanced promotional expenditure of pharmaceutical companies result in enhanced market price of drugs, which has to be borne by the consumer." Both the Organisations of Pharmaceutical Associations of India (OPPI) and the Indian Drug Manufacturers Association (IDMA) had released their own codes of conduct at the beginning of 2007. However, there is no single code applicable to all drug manufacturers, a fact that the letter points out. But again, this is followed up by a gentle nudge. The OPPI and IDMA codes also have detailed procedures for filing of complaints and these associations cliam that they take action against companies found to indulge in unethical marketing practices. However, the government has sought not details of complaints received by them or of what action was taken on these complaints.