Supreme Court reserves order on regulation of pharmaceutical marketing practices

The Supreme Court has reserved its order on a plea seeking statutory regulation of pharmaceutical marketing practices and freebies to doctors. The Centre informed the Court that it will constitute a three-member committee to examine whether a statutory framework is necessary to address unethical practices by pharmaceutical companies. Until then, the UCPMP 2024 will continue to govern the sector.

The proceedings could determine whether India moves from the existing UCPMP framework towards a legally enforceable statutory regime governing pharma-doctor interactions and promotional practices.