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Promotional products and the ABPI code of conduct

There are two sets of applicable rules firstly the Association of the British Pharmaceutical industry’s ABPI Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical industry and the General Medical Council’s guidance, Good Medical Practice.
 
Most Pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK have agreed to comply with the ABPI code and doctors agree to abide by the GMC’s guidance. In the UK the ABPI code of practice places restrictions on promotional gifts, hospitality and specifically it prohibits the industry from giving gifts to doctors as inducements to prescribing any medicine except inexpensive promotional aids that are relevant to the practice of the medical profession. Although for example, pens, diaries, surgical gloves and coffee / tea mugs which are valued at no more than £6 plus VAT are allowable. Companies can provide medical and educational goods and services that will enhance patient care or benefit of the NHS and to maintain patient care see (clause 18.4) Although these may cost more than the £6 plus vat,they must not be provided in such a way that they are an inducement to prescribe,supply,administer  recommend buy or sell any medicine. They must not show a product name, however they can show a company name and the involvement of the pharmaceutical company must be made clear at all times.
 
However the report from the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) recommends a tightening of the ABPI code of practice to ban all gifts from the pharmaceutical industry to doctors. The RCP report refers to the voluntary code on interactions with Healthcare Professionals of PhRMA the pharmaceutical research and manufacturing of America, and the USA pharmaceutical industry’s trade association which recommends that items of minimal value should not be given to doctors or members of their staff.
 
The ABPI code of practice www.pmcpa.org.uk