BusinessWeek published an interesting article on the newest efforts to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for the money handed out to doctors in giveaways.
It is estimated that pharma companies hand out over $19 billion worth of gifts to doctors every year. Those gifts cover a range of products from medical conferences in exotic places, to fancy meals and branded office supplies.
On September 7, Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and Herb Kohl (D-Wis.) introduced a bill that would require detailed, nationwide reporting of all gifting over $25. The reporting would require information on who is gifting, who is receiving the gifts and how much those gifts are worth.
Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers said in a statement that interaction with sales reps are how doctors learn about new treatments and medications and that the legislation "could discourage this critical educational component."
New Jersey's Attorney General, Anne Milgram, joined in the fight when last week she announced a task force to study the conflict of interest issue between doctors and pharamceuticals. Pharmalot published an interesting interview with Milgram that covers her motivation and expectations.
Looks like anyone trying to come up against big pharma is going to have a long and tedious fight on their hands. In 11 states similar legislation has been either voted down or stalled.
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» National Pharma Free Week Oct 22 from PharmaGazette
Sponsored by the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) National Pharma Week is calling for medical schools to eliminate pharmaceutical marketing on their campuses.Across the country thousands of students in the medical field will hold event to pr... [Read More]
Tracked on: October 23, 2007 12:03 PM | Permalink to Trackback