New Delhi, June 2 -- The Indian government has intensified its oversight of pharmaceutical marketing practices, seeking detailed financial disclosures from companies regarding expenditures on gifts, travel, and other incentives offered to healthcare professionals.

This move aims to enhance transparency and curb unethical promotional activities in the pharmaceutical sector.

In March 2024, the Department of Pharmaceuticals introduced the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024.

This code prohibits pharmaceutical companies from offering gifts, travel facilities, hospitality, cash, or monetary grants to healthcare professionals or their families.

It also restricts the supply of free samples to individuals not qual...