govt-notifies-uniform-marketing-code-for-medical-devices

Govt notifies uniform marketing code for medical devices

The DoP has asked medical devices companies to upload the Uniform Code for Marketing Practices in Medical Devices (UCMPMD) 2024 on their website along with the detailed procedure for lodging of complaints with a link to the UCMPMD portal of the department.

News Arena Network - New Delhi - UPDATED: September 7, 2024, 02:16 PM - 2 min read

Govt notifies uniform marketing code for medical devices

As part of the code, a medical device must not be promoted prior to receipt of product approval by the regulatory authority, the notification said.

The government has introduced a uniform code to regulate marketing practices in the medical device industry, aimed at curbing unethical behaviour.

In a recent notification, the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) directed industry associations to prohibit offering healthcare professionals hotel stays, monetary grants, or hosting workshops abroad. The notification outlined strict guidelines for medical device companies, banning certain promotional activities.

"All associations must establish an ethics committee for marketing practices in medical devices (ECMPMD), and display it on their websites, along with a detailed complaints procedure, which will be linked to the UCPMP portal of the Department of Pharmaceuticals," the notification said.

The DoP has also mandated medical device firms to disclose details related to the distribution of evaluation samples and expenses incurred for conferences, workshops, and seminars.

The code further stipulates that medical devices must not be promoted prior to obtaining regulatory approval. The notification also requires careful use of terms like "safe" or "safety," emphasising that these claims should not be made without qualification and must not suggest a device has no adverse effects.

The guidelines prohibit offering gifts or personal benefits to healthcare professionals or their family members. Companies, their representatives, or agents are also barred from providing travel arrangements within or outside the country for healthcare professionals or their families to attend conferences or workshops.

Additionally, medical device firms must not provide hospitality such as hotel stays, expensive meals, or resort accommodation to healthcare professionals or their families. Cash payments or monetary grants to healthcare professionals or their relatives are also forbidden.

The DoP has instructed medical device companies to upload the Uniform Code for Marketing Practices in Medical Devices (UCMPMD) 2024 on their websites, including details on how to file complaints, with a link to the department's UCMPMD portal.

Earlier this year, the DoP introduced a similar Uniform Code for Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024.