In brief
BMJ 2003; 327 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.327.7411.358 (Published 14 August 2003) Cite this as: BMJ 2003;327:358
Royal Society investigates science research: The United Kingdom's Royal Society has launched an investigation into the way scientific research is made public. The working group will also consider the peer review process, which does not always guard against some papers being published that later are shown to be based on false or poorly interpreted results. See http://www.royalsoc.ac.uk/
Government to cover bribes: Slovakia plans to introduce supplementary insurance to cover payments that patients make to the doctors treating them to assure good service. Slovaks reportedly pay an average of 2200 crowns (£37; $60, €53) a year to medical staff for preferential treatment.
Video shows aid worker alive: International medical relief organisation Médecins Sans Frontières has confirmed that a recent video has been received showing that its kidnapped aid worker, Dutchman Arjan Erkel, is alive. A series of demonstrations were due to mark the first anniversary of his kidnapping in the Russian republic of Dagestan (BMJ 2002;325: 406).
US company fined for unnecessary treatment: Tenet Healthcare has agreed to pay $54m (£34m; €48m) in response to government allegations that doctors at a northern Californian hospital did unnecessary cardiac procedures and surgery on hundreds of patients. Tenet signalled that it would rather pay a record fine than go to court.
Ban on advertisements lifted: The UK is to lift its ban on the advertising of some over the counter medicines to the public. Restrictions will be removed for drugs for cardiovascular, bone, liver, biliary system, and pancreatic diseases, as well as for serious respiratory and kidney diseases. The ban on advertising prescription-only medicines will remain.