Code for medical devices welcomed

What is the News?

The Department of Pharmaceuticals(DoP) has published a draft Uniform Code for Medical Device Marketing Practices(UCMDMP).

What is the purpose of the Draft Uniform Code for Medical Device Marketing Practices (UCMDMP)?

The code is intended to be a voluntary code with the aim to regulate fair marketing practices in the Medical Device industry. 

Need: This code was needed as the Medical devices industry is characteristically different from pharmaceuticals.

Therefore a separate code for medical devices was much needed to accurately capture the ethical marketing practice requirements for the medical device sector.

What are the key provisions of the code?

Allows for more collaboration with medical professionals

The code permits medical devices companies to collaborate with medical professionals for activities such as consulting services, clinical studies and research, participation in company-conducted training and continued medical education sessions. 

Bars Gifts to Medical Professionals

With an aim to ensure that medical professionals are not being bribed by the medical devices industry to promote their products, the code has clarified that no gifts, advantages or benefits would be provided to doctors or their families. 

These gifts of entertainment and recreational activities include theatre, live comedy or musicals, sporting events, golf, skiing, cruises, spas, or vacation trips. 

However, companies will be allowed to occasionally provide modest, appropriate educational items to doctors that benefit patients. 

Source: This post is based on the article “Code for medical devices welcomed” published in The Hindu on 18th April 2022.