E-DRUG: European patients forum - secrecy & conflict of interest
----------------------------------------------------------
Please see www.haiweb.org <http://www.haiweb.org/> homepage or contact
the Health Action International (HAI) Europe office for a new, short
report titled Does the European Patients' Forum represent patient or
industry interests? A case study in the need for mandatory financial
disclosure. The report reveals how the European Patients' Forum
legitimacy has been taken for granted despite its lack of transparency
and close links to the pharmaceutical industry.
HAI Europe argues that the case of the European Patients' Forum
demonstrates the need for rules on financial disclosure - who is funding
NGOs and lobbyists - to be made mandatory, not voluntary. The European
Transparency Initiative proposed by Commissioner Kallas must be based on
clear and enforceable rules on financial disclosure.
HAI Europe also argues that the Commission and the European Medicines
Agency should reconsider their relationship with the European Patients'
Forum. It is vital that the voice of patients is heard when decisions
are being taken about medicines and health. The Commission and the
European Medicines Agency should consult with groups which are
accountable, transparent and independent of pharmaceutical industry
financing.
Jeremy Smith
Campaigns Coordinator
Health Action International Europe
Jacob van Lennepkade 334-T
1053 NJ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
Tel: +31 20 618 4063
Fax: +31 20 685 5002
email: jeremy@haiweb.org
www.haiweb.org