Doctors vaccinated

The Times of India in its edition of 29th March published a news item on how the doctors are making huge profits by prescribing vaccines received by them at discounted prices from the companies.It is alleged that these are prescribed even when not required.
There are two basic issues involved here
Is it appropriate for Doctors to get vaccines, or medicines,at discounted prices?
The company fixes an MRP. It gives a percentage discount to the wholesaler and another certain percentage to the retailer.If it "sells" the same drug to the doctor directly and passes on this wholesalers and retailers margin to the doctor, it is nothing more than pure direct marketing strategy.Any number of well established reputed firms do it.AMWAY for instance markets all its Healthcare and other products likewise. and so do many others.This could not possibly be an issue
What seems to irk is the other issue that 'doctors prescribe these vaccines even when not needed'
The WHO schedule for vaccination is the prescribed essential schedule.As perWHO guidelines, there cannot be, and should not be any compromise on that.However,newer vaccines against meningitis,hepatitis,influenza etc., have been introduced.No vaccine has a hundred percent efficacy but the very fact that it has been cleared by various health authorities signifies that it has been field tested and tried and hence is safe for use,effective and hence can be marketed
Whetther it is to be administered or not depends on the recipients risk factor,their willingness or desire for protection against that particular disease and affordability.None of these can be created or pressurised.Doctors at best may be accused of 'selling' the concept, just as the surgeons are often accused of 'selling' the operation.I dont think people are now naive enough to 'fall in these traps' so to say, for the marketing industry's aggressiveness has made them more than aware and cautious of any such attempts. You cant fool the people any more, least of all the educated elite who visit posh 'Paediatric clinics', where such vaccines are available with and dispensed by well known Paediatricians.
So what is all the ruckus about except some "holier than thou" attitude?

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