NMC cracks down on 'five-star medical conferences', bars doctors from attending in sponsored events
pharma companies or the allied health sector". As per a TOI report, under the new guidelines, doctors found violating this rule could face a suspension of their medical license for up to three months.
These regulations, introduced as part of Section 35 of the professional conduct norms, also prohibit doctors and their families from accepting consultancy fees or honorariums from pharmaceutical companies or representatives. Furthermore, the rules extend to any financial engagement with «commercial healthcare establishments, medical device companies, or corporate hospitals under any pretext.» This stance marks a departure from past practices, as many doctors had engaged in various consultancies, speaking engagements, and board appointments, which often resulted in financial benefits from pharmaceutical and medical device companies.
The earlier provisions, initiated by the Medical Council of India (MCI), restricted doctors and their families from receiving gifts, travel arrangements, or hospitality from these industries. However, over time, several adjustments were made to accommodate financial engagements up to a certain limit.
The new regulations, however, appear to be designed to curtail these arrangements, funneling monetary transactions solely as salaries and employee benefits within commercial entities. Addressing concerns of potential conflicts of interest, the regulations call for transparency.
The nature of relationships between doctors and commercial entities, especially those involving clinical drug trials, should be publicly disclosed and aligned with prevailing laws and regulations. While experts laud the regulations for curbing unethical financial ties between medical professionals and commercial enterprises,
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