Latest news with #Dolo650
Mint
4 days ago
- Business
- Mint
India seeks financial details of pharmaceutical marketing practices, industry caught in a bind
The Centre has asked pharma companies for details of expenditure on marketing in the last one year, putting the industry in a bind. The details sought by the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has to be submitted by 31 July, failing which action will be taken against pharmaceutical Union government is keeping a close watch on the marketing practice of pharmaceutical companies amid reports of these companies continuing to offer a range of freebies to doctors, despite the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) being implemented to check unethical marketing practices. Also read: Low vaccine stocks in focus as new covid variants spread A communication, dated 29 May, has been issued by the government to all the pharmaceutical associations to fulfil the compliance as per the targeted deadline. 'The department of pharmaceuticals (DoP) has directed for the submission of the self-declaration and disclosure of marketing expenditure under the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024. The timeline for submissions pertaining to the financial year 2024–25 is now 31st July 2025," said Daara Patel, secretary general at the Indian Drugs Manufacturers Association (IDMA). The self-declaration is a legal undertaking to be filed by company bosses to assure the government that they are not indulging in any unethical marketing practices to promote their products. Also read: India puts big pharma concessions on table as US trade deal nears finish line Patel said that the implementation of the UCPMP guidelines has created a sense of caution and transparency in the marketing practice of the companies which is good for the industry. Sudarshan Jain, secretary general of the Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance said, 'It is for the first time that such a massive compliance is being done by the pharma companies. The data has to be uploaded on the dedicated portal of the government to make it a standardized practice for the companies for further point of view." 'Our member companies are ready to update the financial details of the pharmaceutical marketing to the government," the industry executive said. The UCPMP was introduced in March last year with an objective to bring about transparency and ensure ethical conduct in the marketing practices of pharmaceutical companies and restrict them from offering freebies such as gifts, travel, hospitality and monetary benefits to doctors for prescribing a particular medicine. According to government data, India is home to approx. 3,000 drug making companies and 10,500 manufacturing units. The industry is projected to reach a value of $130 billion by 2030. Queries sent to the department of pharmaceutical spokesperson remained unanswered till press time. Also read: Govt alert: common antibiotic treatment may be 'life threatening' This entire exercise is being done in the backdrop of the Micro Labs controversy: the makers of Dolo650 mg allegedly offered freebies to doctors during the pandemic to prescribe the anti-fever medicine. Last year in December, DoP, accused Abbvie Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd of breaching the guidelines of the UCPMP by allegedly sponsoring vacations for 30 medical professionals to Monaco and Paris. The company could not be contacted for comment.
NDTV
01-05-2025
- Health
- NDTV
No Brand Names, Prescribing Generic Drugs Should Be A Must: Supreme Court
New Delhi: Doctors should only prescribe generic medicines and not any particular brand, as has been ordered in Rajasthan, the Supreme Court remarked today while hearing a petition seeking regulation of unethical marketing practices by pharmaceutical companies. "If this directive is implemented across the country, it will bring about a huge change," said Justice Sandeep Mehta, who was part of a three-judge bench including Justices Vikram Nath and Sanjay Karol. The petition contended that pharmaceutical companies are bribing doctors so they prescribe excessive or irrational drugs and push for over-priced brands. Not only does it bring up medical costs for the common man, it ca also lead to overuse of drugs which has negative effects, or create drug dependence. The petition also said pharmaceutical companies should be held accountable for providing freebies to doctors. In an earlier hearing, the lawyer representing Federation of Medical and Sales Representatives Association of India (FMRAI) cited what he said was a Central Board of Direct Taxes press release to contend that the manufacturer of Dolo 650, a popular fever drug, had spent Rs 1,000 crore in freebies. The court remarked that the issue of pharmaceutical companies allegedly bribing doctors will be resolved if there is a statutory mandate for doctors to prescribe generic medicines. "This will follow in line with what you are praying. In Rajasthan, there is now an executive instruction that every medical professional will have to prescribe generic medicine. They can't prescribe by any company name. That should take care of the things," the court said.
News18
28-04-2025
- News18
Uber Driver Turns Car Into ‘1 BHK', Internet Applauds His Hospitality
Last Updated: One of the most notable features of this cab ride was that it came with a Wi-Fi connection. The driver attached a board explaining that Wi-Fi was available inside the car for free. The internet is full of stories about cab ride experiences, ranging from safety concerns and scams to hilarious anecdotes and even viral videos. These stories often highlight the difficulties encountered by passengers, the different behaviours of drivers and the significance of safety precautions. But recently, a woman's cab ride turned out to be one of her best commuting experiences as it felt like travelling in a '1 BHK.' Taking to X, a woman dropped a couple of inside pictures from her cab, booked on Uber, which came so well-equipped, she compared it to living in a one-bedroom apartment. 'Literally travelling in a 1bhk today. Hands down the coolest Uber ride ever," she wrote in the caption. The snapshots highlighted a well-organised structure inside a car with shelves and holders mounted to the backs of the front seats. The driver had loaded the vehicle with a variety of cold drinks, water bottles, snacks such as chips, toys, basic medicines and even a trashcan, providing passengers with a homelike experience during their ride. Notably, the driver had also put some medicines like Digene, Disprin, Citrizine, Dolo 650 and Otrivin for motion sickness or other emergencies. Another section was set aside for tissues, umbrellas, and even a packet of ready-to-eat munchies. Another picture showcased a donation box attached to the car's roof for children's education. Also, it had several facilities like shoe polish, hair oil, cream and a portable fan. One of the most notable features of this cab ride was that it came with a Wi-Fi connection. Yes! You read that right. The driver attached a board explaining that Wi-Fi was available inside the car for free. The password was written clearly for passengers, adding another layer of hospitality to the ride. Abdul Qadeer, the Uber driver, had also left a feedback log requesting passengers to share their experiences in the book and on the Uber app. Above the driver's seat, a newspaper piece showcasing Abdul's work as an exceptional Uber driver was prominently displayed. Literally traveling in a 1bhk today. Hands down the coolest Uber ride ever! — Akaanksha Shenoy (@shennoying) April 25, 2025 The post instantly went viral on social media, prompting several reactions from them. An X user wrote, 'You're not paying him the fare, you're paying him the rent." Another one wrote, 'That shoe polish is an incredible idea." One of them shared, 'It looks like a full-on house. It is a clear-cut reflection of how good a driver must be. 5-star ratings for him." Travelling in a car with such amenities offers a whole lot of comfort and flexibility while moving.
