Q1: What is the UCPMP?
A: The Unified Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) is a mandatory code that aims to ensure ethical marketing practices by pharmaceutical companies, focusing on the promotion of medicines and interactions with healthcare professionals.
Q2: Who must comply with the UCPMP?
A: All pharmaceutical companies, their employees, agents, and any third parties acting on their behalf must comply with the UCPMP when marketing medicines in India.
Q3: How does the UCPMP affect interactions between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals?
A: The UCPMP sets guidelines for interactions, including sponsorship of healthcare professional meetings, gifts, hospitality, and promotional activities, ensuring these interactions are ethical and transparent.
Q4: How can I file an appeal under the UCPMP?
A: Appeal can be filed through the UCPMP Portal by filling out the online appeal form. You will need to provide your personal details, a description of the issue, and any supporting documents.
Q5: What information is required to file a grievance/ appeal?
A: You need to provide your name, contact information, details of the complaint (including date and description of the incident), and any evidence supporting your grievance.
Q6: Can a grievance or appeal be filed anonymously?
A: No, to avoid incredulous claims and save time and effort, it is encouraged to file complaint with name & contact details of complainant.
Q7: How can I check the status of my appeal?
A: You can check the status of your appeal by visiting the 'Check Status' page on the UCPMP Portal. Enter your tracking number and associated email/phone number to view the current status.
Q8: What do the different status updates mean?
A: Status updates include 'Pending' (the grievance is received and under initial review), 'Under Review' (actively being investigated), and 'Resolved' (action has been taken to address the issue).
Q9: How are appeals investigated?
A: An appeal is analyzed by Apex Committee of DoP comprising of Secretary (Pharma) and Joint Secretary (Pharma). The committee will review all evidence including coordination with concerned association to come with fair and just solution
Q10: How does the UCPMP ensure compliance from multinational pharmaceutical companies?
A: Multinational companies must align their local marketing practices with the UCPMP, ensuring that their global policies do not conflict with the code’s ethical guidelines.
Q11: How can companies demonstrate compliance with the UCPMP?
A: Companies can demonstrate compliance by maintaining accurate records of their marketing practices, conducting regular internal audits, and providing training to employees on the UCPMP guidelines
Q12: Are pharma associations required to publish details of the complaint received by them?
A: Yes, pharma associations are mandated to retain complaint and connected particulars for 5 years on their website. These particulars are also required to be uploaded to DoP’s UCPMP portal.
Q13: Are pharma associations required to publish details of the complaint received by them?
A: Companies must ensure that samples are provided for creating awareness about treatment options and for experience in dealing with the product. Samples should be categorically marked as “Free medical sample not for sale” and should not exceed a monetary value of 2% of annual domestic sale.