SPONSORED TRIPS

Some one wrote in response to my article titled 'A pleasant surprise'. He or she said that the Consumer Association of Malaysia has taken a stand against the sponsorship for trips given by pharmaceutical companies to doctors. I understand his/her concern and I am well aware of the stand by CAM.

I am sure the people in CAM meant well when they spoke out against the practice of sponsorship by pharmaceutical companies. At first glance it looks like a case of 'you scratch my back and I scratch yours'. In short, it looks a lot like bribery and corruption. CAM was also concerned about the pharmaceutical companies passing the expenses to consumers thus making the medications even more expensive. Other issues like monopoly and unfair business practices were highlighted as well.

Before I state my view on this matter, let me clarify that that the Beijing trip I mentioned about in my article is on my own expenses and it's a holiday for me and my wife. My part of the fare is paid by my employer (I am not a civil servant) whereas my wife's fare is paid wholly by me. There is no 'sponsorship' involved. It's the way my employer rewards its employees. Everything is above board.

Now, what about the Redang and Langkawi trip? Let me say that I support the CAM's stand on sponsorship to an extend. I am totally against the practice of 'all expennses paid holidays' as a form of 'kick back' which, sadly, is a reality in today's society, be it in the medical profession or otherwise.

However, let me also say that the purpose of the sponsorships that I received are not (solely) for a holiday. The MEMS meeting is one of the best conference to attend for updates on the challenging field of endocrinology. Ask any budding physician and they will agree. The course fee minus the accomodation is RM150! If I were to go on my own limited resources, it would have been very expensive indeed. It is not for me to tell the organisers where to hold the conference. Last year it was in Cameron Highlands and I went on my own expenses though the room was paid for. This year they decided to hold it in Redang, the first actually, to be held in such an exotic place.

And while I am at the conference, I see nothing wrong in getting some R&R. I have been to the MEMS before and believe me, the itinery is so packed that there is practically no time for any sun and fun. I don't think this conference will be any different. In fact, when they first mooted the idea of holding the next meeting it in Redang at the last conference, I voiced my concern. What's the point of having it in such an exotic place and have no time to enjoy it? Doesn't make sense to me.

When I search my conscience, I don't feel guilty. I feel thankful that because of the pharmaceutical company's generousity, newly qualified physicians like yours truly can attend conferences with prominent experts as speakers and be updated. At the same time, I am also thankful for a short break from the heavy routine of daily work.

There will come a time when I am more established, when I have earned my keep that I do not think I will need such sponsorships anymore.

And lastly, we doctors are not gullible and idiots. We know which medication works and which doesn't. We know which medication is credible. When I prescribe a medication, I do not think of how many trips I have gone under a sponsorship by this or that pharmaceutical company. Instead, I think of which is the best medicine to use for the particular condition, taking into account it's availability, patient's affordability and many other factors beside that. I don't think my judgement can be 'bought'.

So, no... I don't feel guilty about receiving a sponsorship. Everything is above board. Things are in black and white. My department was notified about the sponsorship. The clearance was given. There are doctors who are willing to stay behind to shoulder the work while a few of us go for updates and yes, some rest. Everyone deserves a break. Won't you agree?