Healthy Skepticism Library item: 2584

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

Sullivan P.
Freebies to MDs targeted as drug industry starts publicizing CME fines
Canadian Medical Association Journal 2000 Sep 19; 163:(6):749

Abstract:

Rulings made by the Marketing Practices Review Committee of Canada’s Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies (Rx&D) are published in the latest issue of the organization’s newsletter, Update. Companies are fined $1000 for a first violation, $5000 for a second, $10 000 for a third and $15 000 for a fourth. After a fourth violation, they must also go before the Rx&D board to face further action. Four examples are quoted where companies were fined for activities where there was an imbalance between social and educational components. Dr Joel Lexchin of Toronto, asked to comment, states that monetary sanctions are meaningless and makes recommendations for proactive monitoring, for physician’s responsibility and for more aggressive action by the Canadian Medical Association. Dr. Gordon Crelinsten of the CMA comments favourably on Rx&D’s decisions as an important step forward.

Keywords:
*news story Canada