| PPAI Responds to This Threat to Our Industry |
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The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) board of directors has announced modification of the PhRMA code on interactions with healthcare professionals. In a news release issued by PPAI, the Association strongly opposes this code as it severely and unjustifiably constrains the use and distribution of promotional products to healthcare professionals. Under the terms of this voluntary code, which takes effect in January 2009, all non-educational items-including practice-related items of minimal value, such as pens, note pads, mugs and similar reminder items-should not be offered to healthcare professionals or members of their staff, even if they are accompanied by patient or physician educational materials. However, PhRMA will still support the distribution of items designed primarily for the education of patients or healthcare professionals if the items are not of substantial value ($100 or less) and do not have value to the healthcare professional outside of his or her professional responsibilities. "While on one hand I applaud PhRMA for recognizing the value of promotional products in effectively keeping brand message top of mind, quite frankly, if my doctor is going to be influenced by a pen, a pad of paper or any other logoed item of minimal value at the risk of his or her professional reputation, I want another doctor," says PPAI President and CEO Steve Slagle, CAE. "We are all exposed to advertising messages every day. I find it hard to believe that educated and sophisticated professionals in the healthcare field must be isolated from these logoed items to ensure that they provide unbiased patient care." Existing federal law is clear on this topic-the pharmaceutical industry may not give healthcare professionals anything of value in exchange for writing prescriptions. The PhRMA code on healthcare interactions does nothing to change, modify or enforce existing guidelines. This code will only add additional reporting and administrative costs and burdens on the pharmaceutical industry. PPAI will continue to reach out to PhRMA to voice the industry's opposition to this proposed code and work to offer guidance on the effective and beneficial uses of promotional products in the healthcare field. PPAI encourages members to communicate their opposition Billy Tauzin, PhRMA, 950 F Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20004 Kendra Johnson, PhRMA, 950 F Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20004 |
