Curbing drug companies' sway on doctors

The healthcare sector of the country is increasingly plagued by unethical practices, making regulatory intervention a formidable challenge. Among these concerns, the growing nexus between pharmaceutical companies and practising physicians has become particularly alarming. While drug promotion through medical representatives is not a new phenomenon, its character has significantly changed. Previously, pharmaceutical representatives primarily provided doctors with sample medicines and relevant information on pharmacological composition, potential side effects, and overall efficacy. However, recent reports suggest that this practice has escalated to an unethical level, where pharmaceutical companies wield substantial influence over doctors' discretion to prescribe medicines.

It is widely reported that drug companies frequently influence medical prescriptions by offering incentives to doctors, raising serious ethical and medical concerns that largely remain unchecked. Sales representatives from these companies are often seen waiting outside clinics and hospitals, eager to interact with doctors. In some cases, they go as far as to monitor prescriptions by taking screenshots with smartphones as patients exit medical facilities, ensuring that their drugs are being promoted. More troubling is the allegation that some doctors prescribe unnecessary medications that have little or no relevance to the patient's actual condition. This practice not only exploits patients financially but also raises significant health risks by exposing them to unnecessary side effects and potential complications.

    The deeper issue is that many doctors acknowledge this malpractice but remain reluctant to speak publicly against it. Some admit that the practice has become deeply ingrained in the medical community, where peer pressure and the fear of professional isolation discourage opposition. On the other hand, pharmaceutical marketing professionals justify their promotional strategies by citing industry pressures and competition. This commercialised approach to medicine undermines the fundamental ethics of healthcare.

Despite growing awareness, the undue influence of pharmaceutical companies on physicians remains pervasive. Addressing this issue requires a combination of stricter regulations, ethical enforcement, and systemic reforms. Experts suggest that one potential solution is to promote the prescription of generic drugs over branded ones, as this would reduce the incentives tied to many pharma companies. Additionally, updating and strictly implementing the country's drug policy is essential to regulate interactions between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers. Without decisive actions, the integrity of the healthcare system will continue to be compromised, leaving patients vulnerable to commercial exploitation rather than allowing them to receive the genuine medical care they deserve. Moreover, the role of regulatory bodies and professional organisations must be strengthened to curb these unethical practices effectively. Medical associations should take a firm stance against such influences and encourage doctors to adhere to ethical guidelines when prescribing medication. Public awareness campaigns can also play a crucial role in educating patients about their rights and the dangers of unnecessary prescriptions. If patients are better informed, they can question and verify the necessity of prescribed medicines, reducing the blind dependence on prescriptions influenced by pharmaceutical companies. Transparency in the healthcare sector, supported by government oversight, is vital for ensuring that medical decisions are driven by patient needs rather than commercial interests.