Pakistan Imposes Ban on Pharma Companies’ Sponsored Foreign Tours for Doctors

The DRAP has introduced a new code of conduct for pharmaceutical companies and medical professionals.

Islamabad: Pakistan has taken steps to address the issue of pharmaceutical companies sponsoring foreign tours for doctors and health professionals. The National Institute of Health (NIH) has issued a circular imposing a ban on such trips, which were often seen as a part of the pharma-physician nexus.

According to the circular titled ‘Visits Abroad,’ requests for Ex-Pakistan leave must now be accompanied by an affidavit stating that the foreign visits are not sponsored by any private company or donor and are not for attending conferences or seminars.

Additionally, the Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) has introduced a new code of conduct for pharmaceutical companies and medical professionals. These regulations prohibit medicine companies from covering the travel expenses of doctors’ families and others.

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Moreover, doctors seeking reimbursement for foreign travel expenses must obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their institution, as outlined in the notification. These measures aim to curb undue influence and ensure transparency in the relationship between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals.

These regulations prohibit medicine companies from covering the travel expenses of doctors’ families and others.