Khomeinis Fatwa

cannot absolve the drug of its hazards. It is unethical and wrong on the part of manufacturer to use the findings of this study selectively to promote the drug. The World Health Assembly resolution adopted and recommended for the member nations states that: All advertising of a drug should be truthful and reliable. It must not contain incorrect statement, half truths or un verifiable assertions about the contents, effects (therapeutics as well as toxic) or indications of the drug or pharmaceuticals specially concerned. The IFPMA Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices instructs industry: To base claims for substances and formula- tions on valid scientific evidence. The information should be available and based on an up-to-date evaluation of all scientific evidence and should reflect this evidence. All these well-meaning resolutions and clauses in the codes of ethics appear to be an eyewash when one compares them with the facts prevalent in the country. In India Novalgin is recommended for "all types of pain". The promotional leaflet of Novalgin syrup states: "when a child has fever use New Novalgin Syrup". This and other numerous statements in the promotional material are in total contravention of all existing codes of ethics for marketing of drugs.