BMJ  2004;329:587 (11 September), doi:10.1136/bmj.329.7466.587-a

News

MPs launch inquiry into influence of drug industry

Ray Moynihan

London

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

The House of Commons Health Committee held its first public hearing this week as part of a wide ranging inquiry into the influence of the pharmaceutical industry over the health system.

The committee is investigating drug companies' influence on medical research, the education of doctors, health information, and drug evaluation. It will specifically look at the industry's influence on the NHS, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence and other regulatory authorities, universities, professional societies, and the media.

The inquiry has already sparked public attention, after the release of a strongly worded submission from the Royal College of General Practitioners describing "unhealthy" industry influence over drug testing, medical education, and information for patients. While stressing the value of the industry to the economy and the health of patients, the submission accused drug companies of "disease mongering"—inappropriately widening the boundaries of illness, leading to the over-consumption of drugs.

"If current trends continue, . . . [Full text of this article]


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