10 February, 2010
Ahmedabad, India
THE Medical Council of India (MCI) has planned an extensive awareness campaign after the amended notification (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and EthicsAmendment Regulations, 2009–Part I) coming into force. Under the regulation, accepting gifts, travel facilities and hospitality, and any cash or monetary grants from pharma companies will now be treated as an offence.
MCI president Dr Ketan Desai said awareness about the notification will bring about the welfare of the patients. Extensive workshops will be held to reach out to as many people as possible.
“A medical practitioner shall not receive any gift from pharmaceutical companies or representatives...receiving cash or monetary grants from any pharmaceutical and allied healthcare industry is also unacceptable,” the notification says, adding that maintaining professional autonomy in dealing with pharma companies is a must.
The notification reads: “A medical practitioner shall not publicly endorse any drug or product of the industry. Any study conducted on the efficacy or otherwise of such products shall be presented to and through appropriate scientific bodies.”
It also specifies that a medico can work for pharmaceutical and allied healthcare industries in advisory capacities (researchers, consultants, treating doctors) ensuring that his professional integrity and freedom is maintained, the patients interest are not compromised in any way, and that such affiliations are fully transparent.
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