E-DRUG: New Internationalist article on drug company gifts
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Dear all,
My name is Tamar Wilner. I am a freelance journalist in the UK, writing a
piece for the New Internationalist's upcoming Big Pharma issue (that's the
one that Dinyar posted about a few weeks ago.) My article is about drug
company gifts to doctors and pharmacists, including cash, material goods,
meals, entertainment, travel, accommodation and CME sponsorship.
What I'm looking for is health professionals who can tell me (anonymously if
necessary) what drug companies have offered to them. I'm interested in
talking about all countries, developing and developed. So far a few doctors
in developing countries have told me they've heard about TVs, refrigerators
and luxury vacations being offered in exchange for prescriptions; but I'd
like to hear it straight from the horse's mouth, if I can! Also of interest:
phase IV research that seems an excuse for promotion; doctors being
designated "consultants" so they can be put up in expensive resorts; and
similar deceptions.
If you think you can help me out, or you know someone who can, please email
me off-list at tamar_wilner@hotmail.com.
Thanks for your time,
Tamar Wilner
(Freelance journalist for New Internationalist magazine)