New Delhi. The Supreme Court has taken a tough stance on the alleged practice of giving expensive gifts, foreign trips, cash and other facilities to doctors to increase the sales of medicines. The court has directed the Central Government to constitute a special committee and present its report in the court. The committee will suggest legal provisions to regulate the marketing practices of pharmaceutical companies.
The matter pertains to a petition filed in 2021 by the Federation of Medical and Sales Representatives Association of India (FMRAI). The petition sought to stop the practice of pharmaceutical companies allegedly increasing the sales of their products by giving expensive gifts and other benefits to doctors.
Was accused of giving expensive gifts and facilities
The petition alleged that many pharma companies give expensive gifts, foreign trips, cash and other facilities to doctors to increase the sales of their products. The petitioner claimed that due to such activities, patients are at risk of being prescribed expensive and sometimes unnecessary medicines.
The petition said that such alleged unethical marketing can have a direct impact on the health and pockets of common people. Therefore, an effective legal system is necessary to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable and stop such activities.
Center asked to form a committee
In the last hearing, the central government had sought additional time from the court to prepare rules in this matter. It was said from the Center that a framework is being prepared in this regard. Now the Supreme Court has directed the Central Government to form a committee. This committee will give its recommendations on legal provisions to regulate the marketing activities of pharmaceutical companies and to ban activities like giving expensive gifts or other benefits to doctors.
Suggestions from the public and experts will also be included
According to the instructions of the court, the committee will also consider the suggestions and objections given by the common people, experts and related organizations on this issue. After this the committee will submit its final recommendations to the Central Government.
Center will have to file an affidavit
The Supreme Court has also directed the Central Government to file an affidavit in the court regarding the formation of the committee and the action taken on the order. The next hearing of the case will be on January 29. During this time, the Central Government will have to inform the court about the progress made in the direction of forming the committee and preparing rules regarding the marketing practice of pharmaceutical companies.
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