The Pharmaceutical Industry: Should there be more effective control?

Very simply, yes. First off, drugs should absolutely not be marketed toward patients. In many countries it is illegal to do so for very good reason. Second, Pharma Reps should not be allowed to target doctors in the way that they currently do, using slick sales and marketing campaigns. Doctors should not be allowed to make money producing papers, essays or testimonials for drug companies. Lotsa "should nots" here already, based on what we discussed in class we all know too well what the reality of this situation is and it is downright shameful.

I bristle every time I'm in my doctor's office or some other medical complex and there they are-the slick attractive Pharma Rep rolling their little suitcase full of pens, stationary and sample drugs. A couple of years ago I stopped one in the waiting room of my doctor's office and asked her some questions about what it takes to be a rep. "Oh my god, we have to learn so much about drugs and medicine, you wouldn't believe it. I was hired and after three intense weekend seminars I had my territory." Oh yea, how do you like it? I asked. She said the loves it and "makes so much money, but it all depends on the drug you rep. There is a lot of money right now in asthma meds."

Interesting.

Ridiculous.

Basically all I see is a marketing campaign and the tactics of high end manipulation being deployed in the name of profit. This is an industry that orbits itself around dollars, not patients. Its sick and sad and wrong.

Here is one of the best journalistic interviews with Bill Moyers interviewing Melody Peterson on this subject.