E-drug: industry sponsorship of women's health groups
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Dear E-druggers,
In the current climate of fiscal restraint in Canada, many consumer health
organizations have had government funding cuts and are actively being
pointed towards private funding sources. Some have begun to look to the
pharmaceutical industry as a source of funding.
These decisions are being made in isolation by each group, without any
public discussion of the implications for the organization's goals, or of
the effects on consumer advocacy work and information provision. Nor do
clear guidelines exist for local or national groups considering whether to
seek or refuse industry funding.
I am involved in a project to raise public discussion about this issue,
specifically the implications of funding of women's health groups by the
manufacturers of drugs and devices used in women's health.
I am looking for international examples of:
1) guidelines developed either by women's health groups or more broadly by
consumer and patient groups, concerning pharmaceutical industry funding;
2) promotional campaigns for a specific drug involving a sponsored patient
organization; or corporate image promotional campaigns mentioning patient
groups;
3) requirements for patient organizations to disclose sponsorship within
legislation regulating drug promotion, or any references to sponsorship of
patient or consumer organisations within national drug or health policies.
4) information materials produced by women's health organizations with
industry funding.
I am also interested in any anecdotes you might have if you have worked
with a consumer or patient organization making a decision about accepting
or refusing industry funding.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Barbara Mintzes
bminzes@compuserve.com
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