RIYADH: The medical committee at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry has slammed pharmaceutical companies that market their products by paying illegal commission to doctors and urged the authorities to curb such unethical practices.
A committee source told Al-Madinah daily that there were doctors paid to market medicines that may not be suitable for patients.
“Some of these medicines may be harmful and in such cases patients become victims of greed,” the source said.
The committee warned such practices are unfair and contravene medical ethics.
“This practice would deal a severe blow to the reputation and trustworthiness of pharmaceutical companies operating in the Kingdom’s market, the largest in the Arab world,” the committee said in a press statement.
The committee urged all authorities and agencies in the medical and pharmaceutical fields to take strict punitive measures against those adopting such unscrupulous practices. “Violators should be brought to justice in accordance with the laws of the land. There should be united efforts to safeguard the reputation of the medical field and eliminate these fraudulent practices from the market,” the statement said.
The committee drew attention to a guide prepared by its subcommittee for scientific offices and registration.
“The guide contains rules and regulations governing pharmaceutical companies in the Saudi market. It also specifies guidelines to be observed by pharmacists, in addition to dos and don’ts,” the source said. He added that pharmacists are advised not to sell any medicines that have potentially harmful side effects.
The committee also warns against selling medicines not prescribed by authorized doctors and physicians.