Mystery Medic
Doctors influenced to prescribe medicines
It is unethical for doctors to accept gifts from medical representatives. Pharmaceutical companies, through their medical representatives, offer gifts in various shapes and forms to doctors. Many doctors happily accept them as they do not think it is unethical and also think it will not affect their pattern of prescribing medicines. The reality is that studies have revealed that doctors consciously or sub-consciously prescribed medications based on the gifts they received from the drug companies. This is a serious conflict of interest and can compromise the health of patients. This is no different from politicians and officials accepting kickbacks for allocating contracts. Though the Medical Council of India has started focusing on this issue, an effective method has not been implemented to curb this widely prevalent menace. Hence, it is in your best interest to be aware of this and avoid doctors, who are involved in this kind of corruption.