Nicknamed “COVID-pandemic’s favourite snack” and the source of multiple social media memes, Dolo-650 mg, which registered a sales of over ₹500 crores during the COVID pandemic since March 2020, is back in the news following the public interest litigation in Supreme Court by the Federation of Medical and Sales Representatives Association of India (FMRAI), a national trade union, that sought enforcement of Right to Life under Article 21 of the Constitution.
In its petition, FMRAI has alleged mounting instances of unethical marketing practices by pharma companies in their dealings with healthcare professionals, which in turn has a negative effect on the health of those who are already unwell.
“The existing code is voluntary and unethical practices will continue to proliferate. The ultimate sufferer is the ailing patient for whom we are fighting. We demand that all essential medicines be brought under price control and be made tax free. This will ensure that patients are directly benefited. No one should die for want of medicines,’’ said Santanu Chatterjee of FMRAI.
