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New Delhi, May 9, 2025 – Months after the Apex Committee for Pharma Marketing Practices (ACPMP) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP) reprimanded AbbVie Healthcare India Pvt. Ltd. for violating the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP), the National Medical Commission (NMC) has yet to take disciplinary action against 30 doctors allegedly involved in accepting foreign trip “freebies” worth Rs 1.91 crore.
Background: Pharma Company Funded Lavish Trips
The controversy erupted after a special audit by the Department of Pharmaceuticals confirmed that AbbVie sponsored travel and accommodation for 30 doctors to attend the Aesthetics & Anti-Aging Medicine World Congress 2024 in Monaco and Paris. The trips, presented as professional medical conferences, were found to be in breach of UCPMP 2014 and 2024, amounting to unethical promotion of aesthetic products such as Botox and Juvederm.
The ACPMP, in its December 23, 2024 order, validated the allegations and issued a formal reprimand to AbbVie. The committee also directed the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) and the NMC to take action against the implicated healthcare professionals under the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002.
RTI Response Raises Transparency Concerns
In response to a Right to Information (RTI) request filed by Dr. Babu K.V., the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) stated it had forwarded the matter to the NMC. However, in its reply dated April 29, 2025, the NMC said it had not yet received the list of the 30 doctors from the relevant authorities and thus had not initiated any action.
The NMC’s response has sparked concerns about the enforcement of ethical standards in the medical profession. Despite clear directives and the forwarding of information by the Ministry, the NMC has neither disclosed the names of the doctors involved nor initiated disciplinary proceedings.
What’s Next?
As the government pushes for stricter enforcement of UCPMP 2024, stakeholders and the public await decisive action from the NMC. The case has reignited debate over transparency and accountability in the medical field, with calls for timely and effective regulatory oversight.
Disclaimer:
This news article is based on information available from a Medical Dialogues report dated May 2025 and official responses to RTI queries. The National Medical Commission has not confirmed any disciplinary action or disclosed the names of the doctors involved as of the time of publication. All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven otherwise, and the situation may evolve as more information becomes available. Readers are advised to consult official sources for the latest updates.
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