Pharmaceutical gifts to doctors

Pharmaceutical gifts to doctors almost everyday

23/01/2011

According to a study by the medical society "American Medical College", many doctors do not see it as a problem to even accept "pharmaceutical gifts". Although the study results referred to the United States, but the situation in Germany could be a similar, as Dr. Eckhard Schreiber-Weber of the medical initiative "Mezis" (initiative for incorruptible doctors) told the Süddeutsche Zeitung recently. "Although there are no studies in Germany, our experience suggests that a perceived social disadvantage plays a role when physicians think it's no problem getting gifts from the pharmaceutical industry." Many doctors seem to regard it as a "just participation" in the profits of the pharmaceutical industry.

Around 15,000 pharmaceutical representatives in Germany
According to estimates, there are about 15,000 pharmaceutical representatives in Germany who pay daily visits to pharmacies, doctors and clinics. There are about 20 million visits per year. In most cases no direct offers will be made. Instead, doctors from different companies are invited to specialist conferences or invited to dinner. For example, such visits also offer to finance regional training. According to the study, the psychological effect is quite simple: at the next prescription of a drug many physicians "thank" the choice of the inviting manufacturer. (Sb)

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Berlin doctors are lubricated by pharmaceutical company?

Picture: Dr. Klaus-Uwe Gerhardt