Healthy Skepticism Library item: 15576

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

Minister wants drug companies to publish gifts
Radio Netherlands Worldwide 2009 May 4
http://web.archive.org/web/20090509041450/http://www.radionetherlands.nl/news/zijlijn/6285490/Minister-wants-drug-companies-to-publish-gifts

Full text:

In an interview with Trouw newspaper, Health Minister Ab Klink has said he wants pharmaceutical companies to publish details of all their payments to doctors and scientists.

The minister says it is in the interests of the patient to know whether there is a link between doctors and the pharmaceutical industry. Many pharmaceutical companies regularly give doctors money, gifts, or pay for trips to congresses.

Although the minister would prefer to see new legislation on the issue, he said he is willing to see whether self-regulation works first. He believes the companies would be prepared to publish their payments to avoid being accused of shady practices later.