Healthy Skepticism Library item: 10176

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: news

Raj ST.
Doctors And Drug Companies: End these unethical practices
The New Straits Times 2007 Mar 29
http://web.archive.org/web/20070808081031/http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/nst/Thursday/Letters/20070329084438/Article/index_html

Notes:

Letter

Full text:

ZAITON Jamaluddin, president of the Pharmaceutical Association of Malaysia (PhAMA), has explained the various regulations and guidelines which regulate and govern pharmaceutical companies (“Concerns are unfounded” – NST, March 20) but the burning question is: Is there an independent body with adequate manpower to oversee whether these regulations are adhered to?

There is some truth in the NST report “Doctors in cahoots with drug companies” (NST, March 14).

It is a known fact that some pharmaceutical drug companies (usually the big ones) sponsor medical specialists, doctors, pharmacists and other paramedics for courses and seminars in Malaysia and also overseas because these professionals have assisted the pharmaceutical companies to boost their drug sales or helped in marketing their products.

This is tantamount to bribery or unethical practice.

It is also common for drug companies to organise talks or launch new drugs/products in five-star hotels. If the drug companies are really interested in creating awareness or want to update the medical professionals on their latest/ new drugs or products, there is no necessity for them to have them in five-star hotels and give door gifts.

It has became a common practice for some pharmaceutical companies to offer lucrative positions in their companies to top-ranking health ministry officials before or upon their retirement. The reason for such offers are obvious.

It is my fervent hope that the health minister will give serious consideration to issues that have been raised and put a stop to all unethical practices in the medical profession.