Turkish Pharmaceutical Industry and Medical Sales Representatives Today: A Situation Assessment

Abstract

The pharmaceutical industry, which is of vital importance for health and quality of life, is of great importance both economically and strategically. Especially with the Covid-19 epidemic that surrounded the whole world and caused the death of people, the pharmaceutical industry has once again demonstrated its importance for all countries of the world. The Turkish pharmaceutical industry, one of the earliest established sectors in Turkey, has now reached a technological level that can produce all kinds of products, except those that require special production technology, within the framework of international rules and standards. Medical sales representatives are the leading players in the product sales of pharmaceutical companies in the pharmaceutical industry. The working conditions of medical sales representatives who promote products within the framework of intense competition and technological developments in the sector are demanding and require dedication.

In this study, we tried to include up-to-date data on the current situation of the highly profitable and growing Turkish pharmaceutical industry. In addition, the changing working conditions of medical sales representatives, who play an intermediary role in the product sales of pharmaceutical companies in the sector, from past to present were evaluated. By including the important changes in the regulation regulating the working conditions of medical sales representatives, we tried to address the problems they generally experience. Finally, a general situation assessment was made and suggestions were made to improve the working conditions of employees in this sector.