Healthy Skepticism Library item: 17535

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

Boumil SJ 3rd, Nariani A, Boumil MM, Berman HA.
Whistleblowing in the pharmaceutical industry in the United States, England, Canada, and Australia.
J Public Health Policy 2010 Apr; 31:(1):17-29
http://www.palgrave-journals.com/jphp/journal/v31/n1/abs/jphp200951a.html

Abstract:

Fraud and abuse in the spending of public monies plague governments around the world. In the United States the False Claims Act encourages whistleblowing by private individuals to expose evidence of fraud. They are rewarded for their efforts with monetary compensation and protection from retaliation. Such is not the case in Canada, England, and Australia. Although some recent legislation has increased the protections afforded to whistleblowers, they are still likely to be viewed more as disloyal employees than courageous public servants, and there is little incentive to risk their jobs and reputation. Qui tam laws provide a police force of thousands in the effort to reduce rampant fraud, waste, and abuse, and would be an asset in any health-care system where pubic health policy requires conservation of resources.