New Delhi, Oct. 26 -- An advocacy group has questioned the appointment of Dr Naresh Trehan, chairman and managing director of Medanta, to a government committee reviewing pharmaceutical marketing practices, arguing that his association with the hospital group could raise concerns about conflicts of interest.

The Working Group on Access to Medicines and Treatments has urged the Department of Pharmaceuticals to replace Trehan with a member who does not have similar potential conflicts. In its representation to the government, the group said the committee must be independent and impartial as it examines rules intended to prevent unethical practices in the pharmaceutical industry.

The objection comes days after the Centre constituted a thre...