I'm in the medical industry and the NHS has for years tried to clamp down on this, BUT many GP's and hospital Dr's enjoy many perks from companies (not just drugs of course, equipment companies are as bad). We do not let our staff give away freebies but NHS staff expect entertainment.
When a Dr has to rescribe a brug there are usually a number of options and this is the decision the reps are trying to influence. The reps themselves have a crap deal too, loads of pressure and small areas to sell into, so they will try anything (and have large budgets to spend.
I am new here so sorry if this is a bit long-winded!
