Healthy Skepticism Library item: 20032

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: Magazine

Haynes S
Pharma relationship healthy
Medical Observer 2005 Jan15

Full text:

Editor: Dr Ian Arthur’s hackneyed criticism of the relationship between the medicines industry and the medical profession (Medical Observer, 10 December) is inaccurate and ill-informed.

First in relation to the price of medicines, the Productivity Commission has categorically shown that medicine prices in Australia are among the cheapest in the world.

In relation to the accusations of largesse, Dr Arthur should take the time to study the Medicines Australia Code of Conduct and the codes of ethics prepared by umbrella medical organisation in Australia, which dictate the highest ethical standards of industry-doctor interactions.

The ongoing healthy, ethical relationship between the industry and medical practitioners is the main reason why the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Report on Health Sector Performance Indicators recently found that Australians are living longer and healthier lives than 10 years ago, with the overall death rates from heart disease, stroke and cancer having decreased from 59% to 46% during the last 20 years.

When it comes to the future health of all Australian, porcine aeronautics is of little relevance.

Steve Haynes AM
Senior Manager
Communications & Strategic Relations
Medicines Australia