The clause 6.8 in the Medical Council of India prohibits doctors practically to have any relationship with the pharma industry. The new act even prohibits young doctors receiving educational grant for updating their knowledge from the pharma or related healthcare industry.
The original Medical Council of India Act was made at a time when doctors were not treated under Consumer Protection Act but once it has been made clear that doctors are under Consumer Protection Act, the whole MCI Act may have to be restudied and rewritten.
Under the Consumer Protection Act, a patient is a consumer and hence a doctor can be equated to a shopkeeper and the clinic a shop. When the patient has the right to file a case like a consumer then doctor also should have all the rights of a shop owner.
How can advertisement and promotional activities be not allowed then? A shopkeeper is allowed to choose a particular product from amongst the competitive market and be paid incentives for the same.
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