BMJ  2004;328:8 (3 January), doi:10.1136/bmj.328.7430.8

News

In brief

Direct to consumer advertisements to stop: The New Zealand government has decided to overturn the policy allowing direct to consumer advertising of drugs. By March 2004 it plans to have adopted common standards with the Australian government, which bans such advertising but allows disease awareness campaigns.

Death penalty approved for distribution of fake drugs: India's cabinet has approved the death penalty for those involved in the production and distribution of fake drugs. Amendments to the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, which currently allows imprisonment for several years for such offences, will be moved in the winter session of the Indian parliament.

MPs to investigate science journals: The House of Commons science and technology committee is to conduct an inquiry into the price and availability of scientific publications. It aims to ensure that researchers can access relevant publications effectively and will also look at the impact of online publishing. (See www.parliament.uk)

Indian doctor wins damages against the NHS: An employment tribunal has awarded an Indian doctor working in the NHS damages of £635 000 ($1.1m; 903 657) for institutional racism. The award against the Department of Health reflects the fact that Vijay Jadhav was not promoted to a consultant post.

Chairman of euthanasia society resigns: The UK Voluntary Euthanasia Society has accepted the resignation of its chairman, GP Michael Irwin, who was arrested and later released on bail by police investigating the death of a man who had cancer.

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Relevant Article

New Zealand moves to ban direct advertising of drugs

Bob Burton
BMJ 2004 328: 68. [Extract] [Full Text]

Rapid Responses:

Read all Rapid Responses

£635,000 and BMA

Jay Ilangaratne
bmj.com, 13 Jan 2004 [Full text]

Comment from legal department

Legal Department, BMA
bmj.com, 13 Jan 2004 [Full text]

Re: Comment from legal department

Jay Ilangaratne
bmj.com, 16 Jan 2004 [Full text]

BMA support

Vijay Jadhav
bmj.com, 16 Jan 2004 [Full text]

Comment from legal department

Legal Department, BMA
bmj.com, 16 Jan 2004 [Full text]

Congratulations To Dr Vijay Jadhav

Joseph .C. Obi
bmj.com, 16 Jan 2004 [Full text]

Re: BMA support

Jay Ilangaratne
bmj.com, 16 Jan 2004 [Full text]

Re: Comment from legal department(2)

Jay Ilangaratne
bmj.com, 18 Jan 2004 [Full text]

DTCA in New Zealand - correction

Lesley M Clarke
bmj.com, 18 Feb 2004 [Full text]

Another one:£150,000 and BMA

Jay Ilangaratne
bmj.com, 19 Feb 2004 [Full text]

BMA Funds "unreasonable and vexatious" Appeal

Jay Ilangaratne
bmj.com, 17 May 2005 [Full text]