April 14 (Reuters) - GlaxoSmithKline Plc is facing acriminal investigation in Poland for allegedly bribing doctorsto promote its asthma drug Seretide, BBC Panorama reported onSunday.
The BBC reported that 11 doctors and a GSK regional managerhave been charged over alleged corruption between 2010 and 2012.
"The investigation found evidence of inappropriatecommunication in contravention of GSK policy by a singleemployee. The employee concerned was reprimanded and disciplinedas a result," the drugmaker was quoted as saying.
GSK could not be reached immediately outside regular workinghours.
According to the BBC, one doctor has admitted guilt and hasbeen fined and given a suspended sentence.
GSK, Britain's biggest drugmaker, was accused by Chineseauthorities in July of funnelling up to 3 billion yuan ($483million) to doctors and officials to encourage them to use itsmedicines in a case that rocked the pharmaceuticals industry.($1 = 6.2113 Chinese Yuan) (Reporting by Karen Rebelo in Bangalore; Editing by LeslieAdler)