Healthy Skepticism Library item: 12520

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: news

Doctors’ dinners
Pharmacy Daily 2008 Jan 21

Full text:

MEDICINES Australia has hired a consulting firm to check that pharmaceutical companies have
complied with the industry’s Code of Conduct when hosting “educational events” for doctors.
Auditors from Deloitte will review all educational events, incl meals and other hospitality,
conducted by pharmaceutical companies for doctors over the period 01 Jul-31 Dec 07.
This appointment goes beyond an ACCC requirement that member companies report the
details of their educational events for publication on the Medicines Australia website.

“The appointment of an independent auditor recognises concerns held by some in the
community that there is a lack of transparency in the interactions between pharmaceutical
companies and doctors, said MA ceo Ian Chalmers.

“We have listened to those concerns and we’re taking action,” he said, adding that
“significant sanctions” would apply to companies which breach the MA Code of Conduct.

“I hope people will recognise that these events are important in educating doctors about new
medicines and the quality use of medicines,” he said.

Deloitte will report to Medicines Australia in February.