Pune NGO clarifies on malpractice study after row

NEW DELHI: Days after the Indian Medical Association (IMA)’S demanded action against the researchers of a Pune NGO report, which alleged mal practices in the pharmaceutical industry, the organisation clarified on Monday, saying that the report did not issue a sweeping statement on all medical representatives.

Published on November 25 by Pune-based SATHI (Support for Advocacy and Training to Health Initiatives), the report pointed to widespread violation of ethical guidelines where medical representatives admitted to having bribed doctors for prescribing their drugs.

“The report contains no generalising or sweeping statements and has quotations from MRS (medical representatives) whom it has interviewed…the quote regarding demand of doctors for pleasure trips involving female company was made by a senior MR and has been quoted verbatim. The decision to highlight parts of the report and its portrayal is the sole prerogative of the media and SATHI is not responsible for the same,” said the Pune-based citizen-doctor action forum in a statement.

IMA’S main contention was that the report mentioned some doctors who give huge business demanded women for entertainment and these demands were met. “If they had any evidence then they should have presented it before the state Medical Council rather than going to the press. The allegations have no credibility and we will take action against it,” said Dr RV Asokan, secretary general, IMA.