In a major crackdown on the doctor-pharma nexus, the National Medical Commission issued professional conduct regulations 2022, prohibiting doctors and their families from taking any kind of money from pharma and medical device companies. The guidelines enforce a declaration affidavit stating financial earnings and benefits received in the past 5 years from any health sector company. In case of non-compliance, a penalty of up to 3 months of suspension has been decided.

Chapter “Duties of RMPs towards the public and allied healthcare professionals” states that Doctors and their families should not be involved in any CME, seminars, conferences, etc. sponsored by a pharma company. Point 36 of the Chapter highlights the need for an affidavit declaration detailing their association with different pharmaceutical companies along with 3 levels of penalties. These penalties include a suspension of license to practice to a minimum of 3 months suspension based on the directives.

Source: Medical Dialogues