What is the ruling on offering in-kind gifts to doctors and pharmacists to encourage them to prescribe or request a specific medication? And does the ruling differ if the hospital is in urgent need of this medication or not? And what is the ruling on paying money to some doctors in exchange for their prescribing a company's medication?
The reason for giving a gift is either that it is desirable, to spread affection among Muslims, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Give gifts, and you will love each other." Or it may be forbidden if it is a bribe, which is offered for a worldly purpose. Gifts of medicines to doctors in the public service sector are classified as bribes, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Allah curses the one who offers a bribe and the one who takes it in judgment." This includes the money doctors request in exchange for prescribing medicine, unless the doctor is given a sample to test its quality without condition or compensation, in which case there is no harm.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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