This becomes an even larger problem when the FDA and other governmental organizations approve drugs too easily thanks to heavy influence from the pharmaceutical industry. It's true that Big Pharma can provide benefits but it all seems to be completely out of control at this point. It should make us all uncomfortable that the industry carries so much sway with doctors, patients and government approval. Let them prove their worth with science, not cash. This study is from the UK, but could just as easily be in the US, Canada or Europe.
GPs should be made to declare the gifts they receive from drug firms, following revelations that one in five is more influenced by drug reps than official advisers when prescribing, MPs say today.
Do we ask doctors to publish the "gifts" they receive from the industry? Do we ask Big Pharma to publish this? Doctors should not be extensions of Big Pharma and if they continue like this, they are going to continue to lose credibility with patients. This is a deadly serious problem that needs to be reviewed.
