Controversy Surrounding Pharmaceutical Company's Payments to Pharmacists

Sep.13.2022
Controversy Surrounding Pharmaceutical Company's Payments to Pharmacists
Pharmaceutical company stops paying kickbacks to pharmacists for VEEV e-cigarette prescriptions in response to backlash.

Recently, the practice of paying kickbacks to pharmacists who ordered VEEV electronic cigarettes by FirMo International has sparked strong opposition and has been forced to stop.


In Australia, approved patients are allowed to use nicotine e-cigarettes. Pharma international pays kickbacks to pharmacists who order VEEV e-cigarettes. Pharmacists receive $5 AUD (approximately ¥23.16) every time they prescribe VEEV to a patient, and will receive $10 AUD (approximately ¥46.33) for introducing a new patient to the device. They will also receive $5 AUD for referring a patient to a doctor to obtain a VEEV prescription.


Australian health experts have expressed shock at the actions of Philip Morris International. The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia has condemned the multinational tobacco company's practice of offering kickbacks to pharmacists, calling it a blatant disregard of their professional ethics.


This article contains excerpts or reprints from third-party sources. The copyright belongs to the original media and authors. If there is any infringement, please contact us for removal. Any units or individuals wishing to reproduce must contact the author, please do not reproduce directly.


This document has been generated through artificial intelligence translation and is provided solely for the purposes of industry discourse and learning. Please note that the intellectual property rights of the content belong to the original media source or author. Owing to certain limitations in the translation process, there may be discrepancies between the translated text and the original content. We recommend referring to the original source for complete accuracy. In case of any inaccuracies, we invite you to reach out to us with corrections. If you believe any content has infringed upon your rights, please contact us immediately for its removal.

Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas
Malaysia joint operation seized $19,000 worth of vape liquid in Likas
More than 2,300 units of vape liquid worth over RM75,000 were seized during an integrated operation at premises in Likas near Kota Kinabalu. During Ops Taring Landai E-Cigarette Mega on Feb 10 night, the Marine Police, Sabah Health Department officials and district police detected a shop displaying 92 types of vape pods and, after further searches, found 2,353 units of vape liquid stored on the premises.
Feb.11 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Liverpool City Region Considers Healthier Advertising Rules for Trains, Ferries and Buses — Vapes Included
Liverpool City Region Considers Healthier Advertising Rules for Trains, Ferries and Buses — Vapes Included
The Liverpool City Region is considering a region-wide clampdown on advertising for junk food, sugary drinks and vapes on publicly owned infrastructure. The move is framed as part of a broader push to promote healthier lifestyles and tackle deep-rooted health inequalities, with a particular focus on reducing children’s exposure to harmful marketing in public spaces. The plan is set to go before the Combined Authority on Friday.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
BAT FY2025 Results: New Categories Contribution Expands as Smokeless Share Reaches 18.2%
BAT FY2025 Results: New Categories Contribution Expands as Smokeless Share Reaches 18.2%
British American Tobacco reported FY2025 revenue of £25.61 billion, down 1.0% on a reported basis but up 2.1% at constant currency. New Categories revenue rose 5.5%, with category contribution increasing 77%. Smokeless products accounted for 18.2% of group revenue.
Feb.12
TGA Sets 2026–2027 Compliance Principles, Flags Vaping Goods as a 2026 Priority
TGA Sets 2026–2027 Compliance Principles, Flags Vaping Goods as a 2026 Priority
The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has released its Compliance Principles for 2026 and 2027.Among 12 therapeutic goods categories identified for priority compliance and enforcement activity, TGA includes vaping goods, and it plans a further review of these priorities in March 2026.
Jan.23 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Malaysia’s Kuching court fines vape retailer USD 4921 over “BEST VALUE FOR MONEY” poster promotion
Malaysia’s Kuching court fines vape retailer USD 4921 over “BEST VALUE FOR MONEY” poster promotion
A vape retail company in Kuching, Malaysia, was fined RM20,000 (about USD 4,921.86) by the Magistrates’ Court on January 19, 2026, after pleading guilty to an offence under Section 9(1) of the Control of Smoking Products for Public Health Act 2024 (Act 852). The case concerned a poster displayed at the company’s premises on October 6, 2025, carrying the slogan “BEST VALUE FOR MONEY.”
Jan.21 by 2FIRSTS.ai
Japan Tax Reform Threatens JTI Heated Tobacco Growth in 2026
Japan Tax Reform Threatens JTI Heated Tobacco Growth in 2026
Japan’s plan to remove the lower tax rate for heated tobacco products could slow growth in the country’s largest HTP market, JTI’s CFO said. Retail prices may rise by 70 to 100 yen, though the company plans phased increases to soften the impact.
JTI
Feb.15