The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) has strengthened the regulatory framework for ethical pharmaceutical marketing through the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP), 2024, which was notified on March 12, 2024, replacing the earlier UCPMP, 2015. 

As per the Minister of State for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Anupriya Patel, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, the Code was subsequently amended in September 2025 to further streamline its implementation and disclosure requirements.

The revised UCPMP introduces several new measures to promote transparency and accountability in pharmaceutical marketing. These include the mandatory constitution of Ethics Committees for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (ECPMPs), appointment of Ethics Officers by pharmaceutical companies, a structured complaint redressal and appellate mechanism, submission of self-declarations on compliance, and disclosure of prescribed marketing expenditure.

The Code also strengthens provisions governing interactions between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals (HCPs) and healthcare organizations (HCOs) in relation to promotional activities, with the aim of ensuring ethical engagement across the sector.

The amendments introduced in September 2025 further enhance transparency by requiring pharmaceutical companies to submit annual statements of marketing expenditure through the prescribed online platform.

For reference, the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP), 2024 is available on the Department of Pharmaceuticals website.