Pharmacists accepting gifts could face imprisonment

Doctors and Drugs Companies Face Crackdown on "Sweeteners"

Ministers claim that some pharamacists and doctors have illegally been offered gifts such as free "air miles, sports equipment and electrical goods" as an inducement to buy certain drugs.

Sales staff or National Health Service employees found guilty of breaking regulations on the promotion of drugs products risk fines of up to £5,000 - or even two years in jail.

Baroness Jay, the minister responsible for medicines and the drugs industry, will announce the new hard line with a public warning to the drug companies on Monday, July 28.

The move follows growing concern at the use of lavish gifts, including free holidays and mountain bikes, to encourage doctors and pharmacists to buy health products.

Baronness Jay: public warning

The Government has signalled that it now intends to enforce the Medicines Advertising Regulations 1994, which outlaws the offer and acceptance of free gifts in the sale of medicines.

Baroness Jay will say: "I do not want anyone to be in doubt that we will not tolerate unlawful promotions which seek to exert improper influence, and that enforcement action under the criminal law will be taken against offenders."

Drug companies which are members of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry agree to abide by a code of conduct on the sale of medicines.

ABPI spokesman Richard Ley said self-regulation had largely worked and welcomed the Government's move as a back-up.

He said: "Where inducements are offered it is very much the exception not the rule.It is something we are keeping an eye on and intend to ensure it does not take place. Where it is happening we will take action straightaway."