Healthy Skepticism Library item: 6830

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: Journal Article

Rane W.
How ethical is the pharmaceutical industry in India
Rational Drug Bulletin 1998 Oct; 8:(4):4-5

Abstract:

Despite the provisions in the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations code, sales representatives are poorly trained and ill-informed. Generally, they use flip charts instead of detailed literature. The practice of distributing samples and gifts has degenerated into a rat race amongst the drug manufacturers. Double standards by multinational companies pose a further problem. Evidence indicates that doctors rely heavily on drug companies for their drug information.

Keywords:
*analysis/India/developing countries/quality of information/sales representatives/quality of prescribing/doctors/drug samples/gift giving/International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Associations/ Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (IFPMA)/ETHICAL ISSUES IN PROMOTION: GIFT GIVING/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: DETAILING/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: GENERAL QUALITY OF INFORMATION/INFLUENCE OF PROMOTION: PRESCRIBING, DRUG USE/PROMOTION AND HEALTH NEEDS: PROMOTION IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES/PROMOTION AS A SOURCE OF INFORMATION: DOCTORS/PROMOTIONAL TECHNIQUES: SAMPLES