Healthy Skepticism Library item: 17149

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

Lewis S
Neoliberalism, conflict of interest, and the governance of health research in Canada
Open Medicine 2010 Feb 3; 4:(1):
http://www.openmedicine.ca/article/view/379/302

Abstract:

In late 2009, controversy arose over the appointment of Dr. Bernard Prigent, vice-president of medical affairs for Pfizer Canada, to the Governing Council (GC) of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR). As of 25 January 2010, 4411 people had signed a petition for the appointment to be rescinded on grounds of conflict of interest. The story attracted considerable national media attention1 and generated debate between critics and defenders of the appointment.2-7 The appointment was referred to the Standing Committee on Health of the House of Commons, which convened two hearings to review it.7 A motion to recommend the withdrawal of the appointment was defeated in a split vote.