Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
The Union Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers informed the Lok Sabha about the UCPMP 2024, which replaced the 2015 code and was amended in September 2025. This code strengthens ethical marketing practices in the pharmaceutical sector.
Background
The Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) was first introduced in 2015 to regulate ethical marketing by drug companies. The 2024 version supersedes it with enhanced provisions.
Key facts
UCPMP 2024 was notified on 12 March 2024 by the Department of Pharmaceuticals.
It replaced the earlier UCPMP 2015.
The code was amended in September 2025.
Key provisions include formation of Ethics Committees for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (ECPMP), appointment of Integrity Officers, structured complaint and appeal mechanism, self-declaration of compliance, and disclosure of marketing expenses.
The code governs relationships between drug companies and healthcare professionals/organizations regarding promotional activities.
2025 amendments require companies to submit annual statements of marketing expenses on relevant platforms.
Prelims pointers
- UCPMP: Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices
- ECPMP: Ethics Committee for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices
- Department of Pharmaceuticals
- Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers
- Lok Sabha
Mains angles
- GS2: Government policies and interventions in health sector
- GS3: Ethics in marketing and corporate governance
- GS2: Role of regulatory bodies in ensuring ethical practices