In 2014, the Department of Pharmaceuticals introduced the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) with the aim of ensuring ethical standards and transparency in marketing practices of pharmaceutical companies. While adherence to UCPMP was encouraged, it was not mandated.
On March 12, 2024, UCPMP 2024 was notified by the Department of Pharmaceuticals with a direction to all Pharmaceutical Associations to constitute an Ethics Committee and take necessary steps to ensure compliance with the code.
Additionally, the executive head of pharmaceutical companies have to file a self-declaration with the Pharmaceutical Association the company is a member of, within two months of the end of every financial year, declaring its current compliance and future commitment towards UCPMP.
UCPMP Can be accessed by using the following link : https://pharmaceuticals.gov.in/sites/default/files/UCPMP%202024%20for%20website.pdf
