The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has mandated medical device companies to implement and publicly post the Uniform Code for Marketing Practices in Medical Devices (UCMPMD) 2024. The new code aims to curb unethical practices in the sector by banning expensive international trips, monetary grants, and gifts to healthcare professionals.
According to the DoP’s notification, medical device associations are required to establish ethics committees and provide clear procedures for lodging complaints. Companies must also disclose details regarding evaluation sample distribution and expenses related to conferences and workshops.
Key provisions include prohibitions on using terms like “safe” without qualification, and restrictions on offering travel or hospitality to healthcare professionals. The code also bars monetary grants and personal gifts from medical device firms to professionals or their family members.
This initiative follows the recent introduction of the Uniform Code for Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024. The DoP’s move reflects ongoing efforts to enforce transparency and integrity within the industry, following past controversies such as the alleged distribution of Rs 1,000 crore in freebies by Micro Labs during the Covid pandemic.
