To “ensure compliance, the promotional activities of the marketing and sales structures operating locally are regularly checked. Novartis associates who suspect misconduct should report it to our Business Practices Officer.” The company also clarifies the US investigation
Margherita Lopes – 01/04/2016 – PharmaKronos
On the alleged case of payment of bribes to the Turkish authorities reported by the press, Novartis assures that "it will take all allegations of inappropriate behavior extremely seriously and will investigate thoroughly". To “ensure compliance, the promotional activities of the marketing and sales structures operating locally are regularly checked. Novartis associates who suspect an episode of misconduct are required to report it to our Business Practices Officer.
However, the company "will not disclose any comments on these investigations, even if the person filing the complaint decides to make them public". And she says she is “committed to conducting marketing and sales activities in compliance with high quality and ethical standards. This commitment is fundamental, not only to be able to guarantee the appropriate and effective use of the products and services by healthcare professionals and patients, but also to protect the Group's reputation and credibility". As for the ongoing investigation by the American authorities, for alleged bribes to the medical-scientific class, Novartis specifies that the American branch Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NPC) "requested a preliminary hearing, in relation to the forwarding of a request for precautionary measure in the civil case, which concerns some training programs that the company conducted in the period from 2002 to 2011”.
Npc has forwarded “a request for a precautionary measure, because the Government has asked the company to also present documents that go beyond the scope of the protocols and that go beyond the previously agreed terms; the production of these documents would now be excessively complex, (particularly considering the timescales set by the Court),” says the company. Npc therefore contests the way in which the institutions have represented its conduct in relation to these issues, as well as contesting the accusations made by the Government.
“Npc is committed to ensuring that doctors and patients have the information they need to make informed decisions about the health of their patients; it also believes that educational programs can help educate more healthcare professionals on the appropriate use of medicines, helping them to prescribe based on adequate information, which in turn improves patient care. Novartis – concludes the note – will continue to conduct its business in an ethical manner and in compliance with laws and regulations”.
Türkiye: Ankara prosecutor opens investigation into Novartis branch
