Drug Industry Bans Most Promotional Products
On July 10, the Washington-based Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) announced it will implement a revised PhRMA Code on Interactions with health-care professionals on Jan. 1, 2009. The updated code, which includes tightened regulations on consulting fees, complimentary meals and assurances of adequate representative training, also mandates a change that will have major ramifications on the promotional product industry. Item 10 in the revised report entitled, “Prohibition of Non-Educational and Practice Related Items,” explicitly states that it is prohibited to provide, “items for healthcare professional’s use that do not advance the disease or treatment education...” This provision would eliminate the dissemination of “reminder items” such as pens, notebooks and mugs. According to the PhRMA report, the change is to eliminate any misconception about the relationship between the drug companies and the individual doctor or practice. Richard Clark, PhRMA chairman and chairman and CEO of Merck & Co. stated, “Informative, ethical and professional relationships between health-care providers and America’s pharmaceutical research companies are instrumental to effective patient care.”
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