Dr Reddy's asked to clarify on sponsoring doctors

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has sought clarification from pharma majors Dr Reddy's Laboratories and Mumbai-based Piramal Healthcare, for allegedly sponsoring doctors for conferences.

According to Dr Ketan D Desai, President, Medical Council of India (MCI), the two companies are not providing the list of doctors sponsored by them. Sources in the DCGI confirmed having issued letters to the companies seeking information on doctors allegedly sponsored by them.

"It is against rules of MCI. No doctor should accept any kind of favours and gifts from Pharma companies. The companies did not respond properly when we sought names of doctors and their registration numbers. We have no option but to approach DCGI to get the details from the companies, Dr Desai told PTI.

He said Dr Reddy's sponsored a conference recently in Hyderabad and allegedly bore all the expenses of the doctors who attended it.

While Piramal Healthcare allegedly sponsored a group of doctors to Turkey to attend a conference on diabetes.

When contacted, GV Prasad, vice chairman and CEO, Dr Reddy's downplayed the issues saying that they received a letter from DCGI seeking some information which they have provided.