Question : BRANDS OF MEDICINES

(a) whether the Government are aware that there is rampant corruption among doctors who recommended brands of medicines of different pharmaceutical companies as reported in Times of India dated July 6, 2001;

(b) whether medical representatives offer expensive presents to the concerned doctors, such as air tickets, stay in five star hotels, etc. when they go abroad to attend conference etc.;

(c) if so, the facts thereof; and

(d) the action taken/being taken by the Government to stop these corrupt practices?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI A. RAJA)

(a)to(d): Some of the recent reports in the Times of India refer to the unethical practice of some doctors of G.B. Pant Hospital and CGHS as well as private practitioners without mentioning any names of doctors involved. Necessary action under the code of conduct/disciplinary rules governing the doctors will be taken if any specific case of corruption comes to notice of the Government.