Fed: Pharmaceutical industry launches updated code of conduct

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2000
Fed: Pharmaceutical industry launches updated code of conduct

By Elizabeth Gosch

CANBERRA, Feb 16 AAP - Drug companies are facing a crackdown on the gifts and travel
they give to doctors under a new industry code of conduct.

The Australian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (AMPA) code aims to avoid a
cash for comment type scandal in the industry.

The latest edition of the APMA code of conduct contained 33 amendments covering contemporary
issues such as the use of the Internet to market goods and company liaison with media.

APMA chairman Pat Clear said the new code included stipulations on providing information
to patients and health professionals on prescription medicines.

"The revisions also apply more stringent criteria covering gifts, hospitality and travel,"

Mr Clear said.

He said the code was designed to cover the most frequent promotional activities undertaken
in the industry which included advertising, mailings, gifts, travel, sponsorship and entertainment.

The code also contains a range of penalties for breaches of the regulations.

"The code is far from a toothless tiger," Mr Clear said.

Sanctions include being forced to withdraw or stop the promotional activity, publish
corrective advertising, fines up to $35,000 and suspension or expulsion from the APMA.

In 1998/99, 21 breaches were recorded with fines totalling $75,000 imposed, companies
ordered to withdraw the offending materials on 16 occasions and five companies required
to issue corrective letters to GPs or place corrective advertising.

Parliamentary secretary for health Grant Tambling said one of the most significant
changes to the 13th edition to the code related to the promotion of prescription pharmaceuticals
on the Internet.

"This is an issue of increasing concern in the community and to government, as well
as the medical profession and the pharmaceutical industry," Senator Tambling said.

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KEYWORD: PHARMACEUTICAL

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