Is it permissible for a representative to offer money to doctors to encourage them to prescribe his company’s medications, knowing that the product is effective and may be less expensive, and that doctors refuse to prescribe the medication without financial compensation?

A company paying money to a doctor in exchange for prescribing its medications is permissible, provided that these medications are the best and most beneficial for the patient, and that no betrayal or deception results from it on the part of the doctor. However, if this is not the case, then this money is considered a forbidden bribe, and the one who engages in such an act falls under the curse of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him: "Allah curses the briber, the bribed, and the one who mediates between them." It is preferable to absolutely prohibit this practice as a preventive measure (sadd al-dhari'a), because it is generally the case that the company's motive is its own self-interest, regardless of the patient's welfare.