According to a news source, India’s Department of Pharmaceuticals will meet with industry associations and the Medical Council of India on July 18, 2012, to consider whether more stringent marketing rules should be imposed on drug manufacturers. In 2011, the department apparently introduced voluntary standards to restrict pharmaceutical companies from offering to physicians and suppliers gifts, pecuniary incentives or benefits in kind, including travel, sporting and leisure activities. Due to ongoing complaints about such practices, a government spokesperson reportedly said, “The department has, therefore, decided to review the situation and speak to various industry associations. If required, it may also make the code of conduct mandatory.” The 12,000 pharmaceutical companies that sell drugs in India are not permitted to advertise prescription products, thus sales are apparently driven by physicians and chemists. See Business Standard, July 8, 2012.