E-DRUG: BMJ editorial and vote on industry funding of patient groups
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Dear E-druggers,
The current issue of the British Medical Journal includes a yes/no
debate on whether patient groups should obtain funding from
pharmaceutical companies. Barbara Mintzes has argued that 'No they
should not' because the inherent conflict of interest is too great.
Alaister Kent from the Genetic Interest Group argues 'Yes'.
The BMJ is also running an on-line vote on patient group funding. Please take the
time to vote and pass on the message to your contacts!
You can find the debate at: www.bmj.com <http://www.bmj.com/>
To get the full text of both articles, go into the title at the top. You
can also get each individually: for Barbara's, first go into the extract
then 'full text' in blue and you will not be asked to pay for it.
Barbara is grateful to everyone who helped with this editorial,
especially Orla O'Donovan and Hanna Toiviainen, Tim Reed, Teresa Alves,
Sharon Batt and Bob Burton, and to Andrew Herxheimer and Douglas Ball
whose articles were very helpful for background and links to specific
funded patient groups.
Should you be interested in contacting Barbara, please phone the HAI
Office at Tel: +31 20 489 1864 or write her an email at
bmintzes@chspr.ubc.ca
Best Wishes
Teresa Alves
Teresa Leonardo Alves
European Campaigns Coordinator
Health Action International (HAI) Europe
Jacob van Lennepkade 334T
1053 NJ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Mobile:+31 6 246 867 71
Tel: +31 20 489 1864
Fax: +31 20685 5002
Email:teresa@haiweb.org
Web site: http://www.haiweb.org
Health Action International (HAI) is an independent, global network working to increase access to essential medicines and improve their rational use.