Healthy Skepticism Library item: 17041

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Mudur G
India moves to curb unethical drug promotional practices
BMJ 2010 Jan 13;
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/340/jan13_3/c206

Abstract:

The Medical Council of India has launched new rules to stop doctors accepting gifts or sponsorships from drug companies, amid longstanding concerns about unethical drug promotional practices in the country.

The council, India’s apex regulatory agency for licensing doctors, has issued a code of conduct that prohibits doctors from accepting gifts, payments, assistance with travel, or hospitality from drug companies or their representatives.

In amendments to rules governing the professional conduct, etiquette, and ethics of doctors, the council has also specified that medical practitioners should not accept any monetary grants from drug companies or other health sector companies for any purpose. However, doctors may continue to accept funds from the drug and health industry for medical research provided that they “fully disclose” the source and the amount of funding.

Nobhojit Roy, head of surgery at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre Hospital in Mumbai and a member of the editorial board . . .