Exhibit 23(a)


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this Form S-3 Registration Statement of our report dated January
23, 2001 incorporated by reference in Merck & Co., Inc.'s Annual Report on Form
10-K, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000, as amended by Form 10-K/A
dated June 20, 2001, and to all references to our Firm included in or made a
part of this Registration Statement.

/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP
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    Arthur Andersen LLP

New York, New York
October 31, 2001