Drug industry “freebies” and sponsorship will be banned in India from January 2015

After years of efforts to end unhealthy relations between doctors and the drug industry the Indian government has issued a code of conduct for drug companies.

The Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices bans drug companies from giving doctors “freebies” and lavish gifts, cruise tickets to exotic locations, paid vacations, or sponsorships to educational conferences and seminars. The code takes effect in January 2015.

In a communication to drug industry associations on 12 December the Department of Pharmaceuticals said that the code, which was prepared after consultation with stakeholders, was voluntary and would be reviewed after six months. However, if the code is not …