This week the ethical standards of the pharmaceutical industry were called into question by the federal government. The parliamentary secretary for health, Mark Butler, has called for better standards of conduct between pharmaceutical companies industry and medical practitioners. In particular, a crackdown on the culture of gifts and favours that medical companies give to doctors in promoting their products. There's strong debate across the medical industry over whether it's really a big problem or not.
Dr Ken Harvey is a senior researcher in public health at Melbourne's La Trobe University, he's also the director of an organisation called MedReach, and an expert on the topic of drug prescriptions; He joined us this week to shed some light on the inner workings of the health industry.
Id' like to hear your thoughts on this issue, and how the relationships between Medical Companies and doctors may affect the pills and potions you ultimately buy and use.
DISCUSSION POINTS
• When your doctor recommends a certain medical treatment or drug, have you ever wondered or questioned why they are recommending that particular treatment?
• Or are you confident in your doctor and trust that their advice is best? Many doctors form long term relationships with their patients and their families, and are very trusted.
• If you're a doctor or medical practicitioner I'd like to hear from you too. Have you ever felt pressured or influenced to promote a certain drug or therapy?
• Do you feel that accepting a gift or a lunch or something similar, would influence what doctors recommend to their patients?
• Are you confident that pharmaceutical companies have patients best interests at heart?
Dr Ken Harvey recommends the following websites for further information:
http://www.nps.org.au/consumers/ask_an_expert/contact_a_pharmacist/medicines_line
