Policy statements
The Pharmaceutical Industry
We oppose the introduction of Direct to Consumer Advertising (DTCA) made by the European Pharmaceutical Forum. The downsides to DTCA are well documented; it compromises evidence-based medicine, promotes over-reliance on medications, and increases healthcare costs. Informing patients of their treatment options is vital, but this information should not be obtained from adverts designed to sell rather than educate.
We oppose pharmaceutical industry gifts to medical students and all healthcare professionals – including food and travel – as a means of marketing by the pharmaceutical industry. The industry uses these methods to establish close relationships with tomorrow's doctors. By acquainting medical students to these marketing methods, the pharmaceutical industry ensures that they continue to be deemed acceptable – even though these practices result in worse patient care.
