The relationship between healthcare companies and physicians is complex, presenting potential conflicts of interest that require oversight. Biopharmaceutical and medical device companies operate in a highly competitive market.  As a result, some companies may seek an advantage by extending gifts or other inappropriate inducements to healthcare professionals to promote a specific drug or medical equipment. This practice hurts ethical enterprises seeking to grow local operations or engage in cross-border trade. It stifles the ability of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to invest their limited resources in health innovation. And it can result in higher costs for patients. 

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