Was Dolo prescribed because of freebies given to doctors?

Makers of Dolo-650, a fever reducing drug, allegedly distributed freebies worth whooping Rs 1,000 crore to doctors as consideration for prescribing the tablet, a body of medical representatives told the Supreme Court.

The Federation of Medical & Sales Representatives Association of India made this submission to the Supreme Court amid a public interest litigation (PIL) petition hearing that is seeking directions to make pharmaceutical companies liable for giving freebies to doctors as incentive to prescribe their drugs.

Justice DY Chandrachud, who was hearing the matter, said that it was a serious issue and even he was prescribed the same anti-fever drug during COVID.

"This is not music to my ears. I was also asked to have the same when I had COVID. This is a serious issue and matter," Justice Chandrachud remarked.

The petition said such practices not only result in over-use of drugs, it can also jeopardise the health of the patients; such corruption also pushes high-priced or irrational drugs in the market.

Meanwhile, the court has directed the Central government to file a reply within 10 days.

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On March 11, the top court agreed to examine a plea seeking direction to the Centre for formulating a Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices to curb unethical practices of Pharma companies and ensure an effective monitoring mechanism, transparency, accountability as well as consequences for violations.