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Professional Ethics

Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 7 November 2018

Wednesday, 7 November 2018

Questions (138)

Michael Healy-Rae

Question:

138. Deputy Michael Healy-Rae asked the Minister for Health if each hospital in the HSE keeps a disclosure register for doctors of all connections to interest groups and contract organisations, particularly in the pharmaceutical and medical device industries; if so, the details on the type and amount of remuneration received; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [46105/18]

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Written answers

When the HSE was asked this question in 2017 it replied that it did not centrally hold such information. However, it cited the requirements under its Code of Standards and Behaviour, the Consultant Contract and the Ethics Acts as the bases under which individuals must refrain from any activity which causes a conflict of interest.

The requirements in the Code of Practice for Governance of State Bodies also apply to doctors and other senior officials working in the HSE and other public bodies.

The regulator of the medical profession in Ireland is the Medical Council. The Medical Council’s Guide to Professional Conduct and Ethics also sets standards for the conduct for doctors regarding gifts or payments they receive from pharmaceutical or other commercial companies.

The Guide states that if doctors are paid, directly or indirectly, by pharmaceutical, medical device or other commercial companies or organisations to conduct medical research, they must make sure that the payment does not influence their study design or interpretation of research data. They must also address any potential conflict of interest and disclose the payment in any publication of research results. It also states that doctors should not accept gifts (including hospitality) from pharmaceutical, medical devices or other commercial enterprises. This does not prevent those doctors attending educational meetings or receiving payment of reasonable fees for professional services to commercial enterprises.

If they are involved in any way in promoting or endorsing specific healthcare products or services, they must declare any financial or commercial interest they have in the organisation or company providing the products or services.

Since the Deputy’s question relates to the HSE, I have referred it also to the HSE for direct reply to the Deputy.

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