Giving gifts to doctors and pharmacists in private and public hospitals and clinics by company representatives
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Fatwa number ( 19174 )
Q: I am a pharmacist working for one of the pharmaceutical companies as a promotional representative for that company’s medicines. Since we give gifts to doctors and pharmacists in private and public hospitals and clinics, such as a pen or a watch bearing the name of the product or the name of the distributing company, so that the doctor will prescribe this medicine or the medicines we supply to patients, and knowing that most competing companies do this extensively, we find ourselves compelled to do so, otherwise the products would stagnate, and thus the patient becomes a victim of the competition. What is the ruling on such work?
A: This work is not permissible and is considered a forbidden bribe; because it leads the employee to favor the company that gives him gifts and neglect the other companies. This involves consuming wealth through unlawful means and harming others. Therefore, it is obligatory to avoid it and warn against it; because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the one who gives a bribe and the one who accepts it. We ask Allah for well-being and safety.
And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Q: I am a pharmacist working for one of the pharmaceutical companies as a promotional representative for that company’s medicines. Since we give gifts to doctors and pharmacists in private and public hospitals and clinics, such as a pen or a watch bearing the name of the product or the name of the distributing company, so that the doctor will prescribe this medicine or the medicines we supply to patients, and knowing that most competing companies do this extensively, we find ourselves compelled to do so, otherwise the products would stagnate, and thus the patient becomes a victim of the competition. What is the ruling on such work?
A: This work is not permissible and is considered a forbidden bribe; because it leads the employee to favor the company that gives him gifts and neglect the other companies. This involves consuming wealth through unlawful means and harming others. Therefore, it is obligatory to avoid it and warn against it; because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) cursed the one who gives a bribe and the one who accepts it. We ask Allah for well-being and safety.
And success is from Allah, and may Allah send prayers and blessings upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and his Companions.
Source
www.alifta.gov.sa
The Arabic text is copied verbatim from the original source, without any edits.