THE COMPETITION AUTHORITY: THERE IS NO NEED FOR A REGISTER OF MEDICAL REPRESENTATIVES
PRESS RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE
THE COMPETITION AUTHORITY: THERE IS NO NEED FOR A REGISTER OF MEDICAL REPRESENTATIVES
At its meeting on 13 April 2005, the Competition Authority resolved to issue a report on the government Bill introducing "A new regulation governing scientific and pharmaceutical information activities and the institution of a register of medical representatives", highlighting a number of aspects in contrast with the principles of competition and the free market.
This government Bill, which is currently being examined by the Senate Hygiene and Health Committee sitting in its enactment capacity, provides among other things for the introduction of a special professional register of medical representatives.
On several occasions in the past, this Authority has ruled that the regulation of professional services is only appropriate if it meets general needs, and in instances in which it is possible to remedy market distortions.
The Authority also emphasises the European Commission's ruling in its "Report on competition for professional services" that the institution of new professional associations and registers substantially restricted competition and in many cases placed unjustified restrictions on new market entrants.
Another point in the government Bill on which the Authority has decided to take action has to do with the requirement to successfully pass a State examination in order to be registered as a medical representatives. On this point it should be pointed out that in Italy there are already other rules to ensure that these professionals possess appropriate technological know-how, and that their work is performed appropriately and professionally. In short, the statutory requirements for acting as a scientific informer already exist and, furthermore, they have been verified by the pharmaceuticals manufacturers themselves who have the means and the interest in checking them.
Lastly, while emphasising that there seems to be no other register in any other member state of the European Union with this kind of professional register, the Authority has ruled that such a register would place an unjustified restriction on competition and on the proper functioning of the market for services offered by the medical representatives, expressing the hope that these considerations would be taken into account by Parliament.
Rome, 14 April 2005