AiMeD welcomes Govt.'s move for Medical Device Companies

The government’s move to put in place a separate, strict and mandatory ‘Ethical Marketing Code' for medical device companies has been welcomed by the Association of Indian Medical Device Manufacturers (AiMeD). AiMed has stated that the proposed 'Code' will help to curb many unethical practices currently being carried out by deep pocketed players.

The proposed code, at the discussion stage currently, seeks to put a total curb on many malpractices/ inducements such as foreign trips or expensive gifts being offered by some medical device companies to medical practitioners, their families and hospitals to influence prescriptions and orders in their favour.

“We whole-heartedly advocate and support a strict and distinct ‘Ethical Marketing Code' with penal provisions for medical device industry as it will help curb many unethical marketing practices being indulged in by powerful deep-pocketed players at the detriment of common Indian citizens and Indian medical device manufacturers,” said Rajiv Nath, Forum Coordinator, AiMeD.

The Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Govt of India - the nodal department for pharma and medical device industry - already has a 'Voluntary Code' for the pharma sector which is now being upgraded to 'Mandatory Code' or ‘Strict Compliance Code' with punitive provisions. Currently, the department is in the process of soliciting views of various stakeholders to draw a separate and exclusive code for medical device sector.

Under the proposed code, no freebies, no extravagant hospitality, no pecuniary benefits under garb of training etc. are to be offered to hospitals or healthcare professionals.