The Bush Administration warned drug companies that they must not offer any financial incentives to doctors, hospitals, insurers or pharmacists to encourage or reward the prescribing of particular drugs. Such payments have “a high potential for fraud and abuse,” according to a government compliance guide for the drug industry, issued by Janet Rehnquist, inspector general of the Department of Health and Human Services.
“Any time a pharmaceutical manufacturer provides anything of value to a physician who might prescribe the manufacturer’s product, the manufacturer should examine whether it is providing a valuable tangible benefit to the physician with the intent to induce or reward referrals,” the compliance guide says.
“A lawful purpose will not legitimize a payment that also has an unlawful purpose,” it adds.
The compliance guide also says drug makers risk prosecution when they encourage the use of their products by offering kickbacks to health plans and to pharmacy benefit managers.
(via New York Times)
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When I worked for a company who had an office in a clinic, they would hold luncheons paid for and delivered by drug rep’s for the doctors and physician’s assistants, and would listen to the presentation on the drug they were pedalling. I got to know one of the rep’s and he mentioned to me that in one month he spends more money of dining doctor’s than his salary is for the entire year! Not to mention the wonderful vacations that are given to the doctors. It’s really a shame that we as consumers have to have this crap medication crammed down our throats, and then have to suffer the side effects from them. What I have to say isn’t going to matter to anyone reading this…I just wish pharmaceutical companies would get rid of the dollar signs and have some compassion for those who suffer needlessly.
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