Medical council introduces strict code of conduct for doctors to break their nexus with pharma companies.
The Medical Council of India (MCI) has banned doctors from receiving gifts and sponsorships from pharma companies, allied healthcare industry and sales representatives. If doctors fail to abide by the rule, their licences will be cancelled.
The MCI, which is the regulatory body for medical professionals and medical education in the country, has amended its Indian Medical Council (professional conduct, etiquette and ethics) rules to add a strict code of conduct for doctors.
It has been found that doctors prescribe expensive antiobiotics and painkillers made by multinational companies even though generic alternatives are available. They also prescribe particular medicines and devices manufactured by specific companies and sold by specific shops.
“It often transpires that these companies sponsor foreign trips for doctors, give them gifts or commission. This is an unhealthy practice that we want to stop,” said health and family welfare minister Ghulam Nabi Azad.
Some doctors have welcomed the rules, but apprehensions about its proper implementation remain, especially since similar efforts in the past have failed.
“There is fierce competition among doctors and we believe the peer group would tip-off against any violations,” said MCI president Ketan Desai.
New norms also ban doctors and their families from taking sponsorship from pharma companies to attend conferences, seminars and workshops. Free vacations have also been made illegal. Doctors have also been asked not be become advisor to any pharma company.
The MCI has also banned doctors from accepting any cash or grant from companies. Funding for medical research, study, etc. can be received through approved institutions in accordance with rules laid down by them. This too, has to be fully disclosed.
In case of medical research, the papers will have to be passed by a proper ethics committee. Doctors will have the flexibility to get their correct research published without worrying about the interest of the pharma company that funded the research.
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