Anindya Das1. 1. Centre for Social Medicine and Community Health, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, PIN 110067, India.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This article attempts to critically evaluate the role of the pharmaceutical industry in health care from the theoretical standpoint of 'medical-industrial complex'. METHODS: The historical context of the expansion of the pharmaceutical industry is summarized followed by a critical evaluation of the methods of studying effectiveness of pharmaceutical agents and the aspects involved in reporting, publication and marketing. Further issues are elaborated with a case study of the antidepressants. RESULTS: The establishment of pharmaceutical industry is premised on various ethical principles and moral norms yet such guiding values are forsaken resulting in a contradictory stance where human life and suffering are devalued rather than saved and ameliorated in a bid to maximize profits. CONCLUSION: The conventional response of more stringent regulation and the broader reason of economic model of unequal power need to be reevaluated.
OBJECTIVE: This article attempts to critically evaluate the role of the pharmaceutical industry in health care from the theoretical standpoint of 'medical-industrial complex'. METHODS: The historical context of the expansion of the pharmaceutical industry is summarized followed by a critical evaluation of the methods of studying effectiveness of pharmaceutical agents and the aspects involved in reporting, publication and marketing. Further issues are elaborated with a case study of the antidepressants. RESULTS: The establishment of pharmaceutical industry is premised on various ethical principles and moral norms yet such guiding values are forsaken resulting in a contradictory stance where human life and suffering are devalued rather than saved and ameliorated in a bid to maximize profits. CONCLUSION: The conventional response of more stringent regulation and the broader reason of economic model of unequal power need to be reevaluated.