IFPMA institutes new pharma marketing rules

International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) has revealed a new code that limits gifts from pharmaceutical reps to physicians. The new code, whose applicability extends to every country and is required of all IFPMA members, imposes even stricter and clearer requirements on pharmaceutical companies, to ensure the ethical promotion of their products to healthcare professionals. The provisions state:

• Pharma reps can't give doctors money or expensive gifts in order to influence their prescription drug selection
• Medical and scientific meetings held by members can't take place at "renowned or extravagant venues"
• Hospitality and entertainment can't exceed what physicians would provide for themselves if they were paying

The IFPMA concludes that if a company has been found to have broken the ethical rules in the new code, it will publicly announce the company's name and obtain the company's written agreement to end the objectionable practice concerned.

To get all the details:
- check out the IFPMA's press release

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