The rules were proposed amid longstanding concerns that some drug companies try to influence doctors' prescription practices by offering them gifts ranging from pre-paid cash cards and cellphones to travel and hospitality. But the ADEH has pointed out, in a letter to the chemicals and fertilisers ministry, that the rules allow drug companies to "sponsor any seminar, continuing medical education, or scientific meeting" organised by medical associations. "The associations, which are basically groups of doctors, are likely to use industry funds to support banquets and five-star hospitality during meetings. "When a hospital earns profits on drugs sold, it may pass some of its gains to its doctors," Grewal said. "This is another example of how pharmaceutical industry practices - in this case pricing practices - benefit hospitals and doctors," he added.

Source: The Telegraph July 25, 2017 21:01 UTC