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| Panel being set up to suggest framework for regulating unethical practices of pharma firms: Centre to SC | | | Early Times Report
NEW DELHI, Sept 8: The Centre on Tuesday told the Supreme Court that it is setting up a three-member panel to suggest a statutory framework for ensuring that pharmaceutical companies do not indulge in unethical practices to lure doctors. The government sought two-month time during which the committee would submit its report that will be placed before the court for approval. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said it is reserving its order on the pleas filed by Federation of Medical and Sales Representatives Associations of India and others, which sought direction that till an effective law was enacted, the top court may lay down the guidelines to control and regulate unethical marketing practices by pharmaceutical companies. The Centre agreed that there is a need to strengthen the mechanism to ensure that pharmaceutical companies do not indulge in any unethical practices.
"The detailed discussions have taken place and with a view to find out the possible solution, it is decided to constitute a three-member committee requesting them to provide their report on the issues as to whether and if yes, what can be the statutory framework to ensure that pharmaceutical companies also do not indulge into such unethical practices," the government said.
It said till such time the report is received and a decision is taken based thereupon, the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices, 2024 will govern the field. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre, said there are several aspects involved in the matter which involves various departments under different ministries.
"We will be taking a holistic approach on the issue. There are several factors involved in it. Big pharma companies are normally not involved in these practices but smaller ones do and it is mostly a local issue. There is a need to strengthen the mechanism so that pharma companies do not indulge in unethical practices," he submitted.
Mehta said the committee would submit its report in two months and suggest what kind of statutory framework can be implemented to regulate these pharma companies.
"The committee will be constituted in a day or two if not done by now as it is the top most priority of the government. We will be apprising the court, there will be no lethargy," he told the bench on the query of the court whether the panel has been constituted.
Senior advocate Sanjay Parikh, appearing for the Federation, submitted that there was nothing new in the matter and what the government has done is copy-pasted the earlier guidelines and changed the headline. |
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