The well-being of citizens should be given priority over unnecessary investments. Is the health of people at stake by these branded doctors in Pakistan?

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Influence of Pharmaceutical Industry on practising doctors

“Are you a branded doctor?”

Almost no practising doctor or physician wants to respond to this question. This avoidance is due to their practice against the code of ethics for marketing and training. In addition, we could also see the influence of pharmaceutical companies is in their prescriptions. The only thing that remained to be told openly by these doctors is,

" You will feel better only with this XYZ drug brand ".

Pharmaceutical Industries devotes billions of dollars to doctors to prescribe their specific drug brand, which is most often expensive. The more top-notch the favours are, the more chance the branded medical and dental practitioner will prescribe their medicines. The favours will range from free mugs, pens samples, and meals to free air travel, recreational trips and continuing education. 

Effects of cupidity

In countries like Pakistan, most people are still facing financial challenges. Then, such practices of the branded doctors will make the citizens more vulnerable to face hardships. The practice of medical representatives of Pharmaceutical companies offering physicians to prescribe their expensive drug brand, whether as an only cure to their patient’s ailment or as a supplementary one, is a growing concern.

It is not only increasing the financial burden on vulnerable citizens, but their well-being is at stake too. Un-necessary prescribed drugs are also increasing resistance to high-potency drugs. The prescriptions of the branded doctors often include unnecessary anti-anxiety medicines and opioids. It increases memory problems, blood pressure and drug withdrawal issues, etc., thus affecting the quality of life.

Unsuccessful attempt by regulatory authorities

Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) received thousands of complaints against these nonregulatory practices. After that, DRAP little before gave notification to Health departments. They ask them to ensure that doctors propose generic names rather than the brand name of medicines. Soon after this notification, Pakistan Medical Association (PMA) rejected its implementation. They consider that this decision did not come under the domain of DRAP and had certain infirmities. Some limitations include the lack of necessary qualification of staff of pharmacies and to accept this change.

Moreover, there would be a chance of the emergence of substandard medicines in the market. In addition, there would also be a chance that the unwarranted beneficial relationship develops among the sellers. This would be unfavourable to the citizens. Thus, the concerned authorities should develop a better idea and regulatory standards to halt the era of these branded doctors.