Critical Analysis of Pharmaceutical Incentives and Over-Prescription in Islamabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Pharmaceutical incentives are increasingly becoming a concern in the world health system, with pharmaceutical doctors, hospitals, and pharmacists who are provided with benefits by the companies. In Pakistan, nearly 90% of prescribed medications are done in brand names, which emphasizes the strength of the pharmaceutical industry. The purpose of this study was to identify the level of pharmaceutical incentives to contribute towards excess prescription at the hospitals of Islamabad and test their effects on patients. The research presented new insights into the field of healthcare marketing and can aid in creating more efficient policymaker, healthcare, and pharmaceutical company regulations. This article examined the effect of incentives by pharmaceutical companies on prescribing. within the group of healthcare professionals in Islamabad, Pakistan. The study adopts a qualitative research design approach to discuss the issue of complexities that are inherent in using incentives, analyzing how the practices affect the prescription trend and the health status of patients. The study was qualitative and encompassed face-to-face in-depth interviews of 12 respondents classified as medical representatives, patients, and doctors. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the results and reveal the article's main themes associated with the character of offered incentives, their impact on the doctors' prescribing judgments, and the ethical aspects of such associations. Findings suggested that pharmaceutical baits play a major role in the popularity of brand-name preferential treatment over generics, and this raises the issue of what it means to the care of the patient and healthcare costs. The ethical issues of the practices are also touched on, raising the problem of accountability and the loss of trust between patients and healthcare providers. The study concluded with recommendations for policy and practice to enhance ethical standards in the pharmaceutical industry, ultimately aiming to improve patient health outcomes.