New Delhi: Supreme Court on Thursday said that the doctors held accountable for prescribing the Dolo-650 tables who accepted the incentives from the Pharma companies. Two member bench of SC comprised Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice AS Bopanna heard a petition filed by Federation of Medical & Sales Representatives Association of India and the Judges said this is the serious matter and asked the Centre to file its response within 10 days.

The manufactures have invested ₹ 1000 crore, Dolo- 650 a tablet prescribed for fever in freebies. Justice DY Chandrachud said that this is not music to ears. Even I was asked to have same medicine when I had Covid-19. This is a serious matter.

Senior Advocate Sanjay Parikh, appearing for the Federation said, Dolo invested over 1000 crore in freebies to doctors so they would promote the drug. The CBDT had made the allegation after conducting raids at 36 premises of the Bengaluru-based Micro Labs Limited across nine states. Accusing the manufacturer of unethical practices, the CBDT said they have detected tax evasion to the tune of ₹ 300 crore.

The petition said such practices not only result in over-use of drugs, it can also jeopardize the health of the patients; such corruption also pushes high-priced or irrational drugs in the market. The petition asked the top court to ensure that the Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices be made effective by providing a monitoring mechanism, transparency and accountability.

The bench had issued notice to the Centre earlier. Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the Centre said the response is almost ready. The matter will be heard again by the top court on September 29.