Is the distribution of symbolic (or non-symbolic) gifts to doctors by a medical laboratory considered bribery?
There is no harm in advertising for the laboratory if it is free of lies and deception. As for distributing gifts to doctors every three months, this is subject to scrutiny and may be forbidden due to the favoritism it may create for this laboratory over others, and the harm it may cause to other laboratories. This could lead to the doctor prioritizing the laboratory's interest over the patients' interest, thus rendering the gift a bribe. It has been stated in the fatwas of the Permanent Committee that it is forbidden for a doctor to accept gifts from pharmaceutical companies because they are bribes, and that the company representative who offers gifts to doctors is considered an intermediary (ra'ish), and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, cursed the briber, the bribed, and the intermediary. Likewise, it is not permissible for a doctor to accept drug samples from companies.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 162274
- Imported
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