ISLAMABAD: In a significant move to address concerns about the influence of pharmaceutical companies on medical professionals, Pakistan has imposed a ban on sponsored foreign trips for doctors.
The National Institute of Health (NIH), through a recent circular titled ‘Visits Abroad,’ has prohibited doctors and hospital staff from undertaking foreign trips sponsored by pharmaceutical groups.
The circular outlines stringent measures to curb the pharma-physician nexus, stating that all requests for ex-Pakistan leave must be accompanied by an affidavit from the concerned officers. The affidavit should affirm that the foreign visits are not for attending conferences or seminars and are not sponsored by any private company or donor.
Simultaneously, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has introduced a fresh code of conduct for pharmaceutical companies and medical professionals, authorized by the federal government. The new regulations explicitly prevent medicine companies from covering the travel expenses of doctors’ families and others.
Under the updated guidelines, doctors are required to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their institutions to receive reimbursement for foreign travel expenses. This measure aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the interactions between medical professionals and pharmaceutical entities.
It is noteworthy that in Pakistan, pharmaceutical companies have been known to provide gifts, including expensive items and leisure tours, to doctors. In return, doctors are often alleged to prescribe medicines from these companies to patients, creating a financial benefit for the companies. The recent regulatory steps seek to break this cycle and promote ethical practices within the healthcare sector by restricting undue influence from pharmaceutical companies.
