To stop unethical behavior, the central government has implemented a uniform marketing code for the medical device sector. The new rules, which are meant to encourage openness and moral behavior, forbid businesses from providing incentives like grants of money, hotel stays, or foreign conferences for physicians. By taking this precaution, medical device companies cannot unduly influence the judgments made by healthcare professionals.
The notification requires the creation of an Ethics Committee for Marketing Practices in Medical Devices (ECMPMD) by all medical device associations. The committees in question shall bear the responsibility of supervising adherence to the marketing code. Their websites that connect to the UCPMP portal maintained by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) must provide the complaint submission processes.
The rules also mandate that medical device manufacturers reveal information about the distribution of assessment samples as well as any costs associated with attending conferences, workshops, and seminars. Additionally, businesses won’t be allowed to advertise their medical equipment before receiving regulatory authority.
The law places a strong emphasis on prohibiting businesses and their agents from providing travel, lodging (hotel or resort stays), and high-priced meals to medical professionals or their families. By taking this action, doctors will be able to avoid conflicts of interest and make decisions that are more focused on patient care than on their own interests.
The Uniform Code for Marketing Practices in Medical Devices (UCMPMD) 2024, which outlines a precise process for filing complaints, must also be uploaded by medical device manufacturers to their websites. The Uniform Code for Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024, which was announced earlier in the year, is expanded upon by the new code.
This news was released shortly after Arunish Chawla, the secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), revealed plans for a new initiative to support the domestic medical device market in India. In line with industry demands, the program seeks to assist the expansion and competitiveness of the medical device industry. After obtaining approval from the Finance Ministry and conducting stakeholder engagements, it is anticipated to be launched within a month.
A big step has been taken in the direction of guaranteeing moral behavior in the medical device sector and encouraging open communication between medical practitioners and the businesses they partner with with the launch of the new marketing code.
SOURCE :
LIVEMINT.COM
