This code came into practice in 2002 and has since been updated to help define ethical interactions between health care professionals and the pharmaceutical companies [3] Companies maintain this provides an educational service by keeping doctors updated on the latest changes in medical science.
Critics point to a systematic use of gifts and personal information to befriend doctors to influence their drug prescriptions.
[2] In the United Kingdom representatives are governed by a strict code of conduct from the Association of British Pharmaceutical Industries (ABPI).
[5] Controversial inducements include jobs offers for the drug company, consulting / speaking fees,[6] and all-expense-paid travel to resorts[7] and exotic locations where attendance is limited or not mandatory.
[13][14] With beta-blockers and statins, me-too drugs have improved results, and increased competition while lowering prices.