Healthy Skepticism Library item: 15213

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: Journal Article

Damle A.
Reframing relations with Pharma: Build rather than burn bridges
BMJ 2009 Feb 24; 338:(7693):b765
http://www.bmj.com/cgi/content/extract/338/feb24_1/b765

Abstract:

As a practising doctor, I still derive almost childish pleasure in taking some pens or sticky notes for the secretary and an occasional USB stick for myself. If taking these trinkets is believed to influence my prescribing practice, then I am quite offended.1 The integrity of ordinary jobbing doctors is questioned without much hard evidence.

Consider the hospitality stands that various industries have to entertain clients, including government departments. Nearly all are busy lining their own pockets. Of course I do not agree with bribery and corruption, but to say that sponsoring an educational event or occasional dinner or the free gift of a stapler is enough to influence doctors is outrageous. Drug companies present data to suit their products and are biased, but so are all other companies. Just as ordinary people are clever enough to decide for themselves what is good for them, doctors can weigh up data . . .

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