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Momodou
Denmark
11790 Posts |
 Posted - 20 Mar 2007 : 13:50:18
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GOVERNMENTS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE ON UNETHICAL DRUGS PROMOTION
By Amie Sanneh
"Consumers International is working with consumer organisations around the world to hold governments and pharmaceutical companies accountable for the promotion of unethical drugs and advertising that values corporate profit than consumer health," says Dr. Katim S. Touray, member of the Consumer Protection Association of the Gambia (CPAG) on the commemoration of World Consumer Rights Day (WCRD) on the 15th May, 2007. The theme for this commemoration is "Unethical Drug Promotion" which was done in a form of a workshop held at the Sun Beach Hotel in Cape Point.
Dr. Touray noted that many consumers are not aware of the fact that drug sellers consider corporate profit motives than sound health care delivery of drug consumers.
He added that drug companies promote and advertise in many ways which are open, perfectly legal and ethical. "However, there are increasingly drug promotions that are subtle and inconspicuous. Such promotion at times he said, do not seem to even promote any product at all," he said.
"Furthermore, drug promotions target various groups ranging from medical doctors to social actors, such as, politicians and legislators, as well as consumers themselves," he noted.
Dr. Touray said despite the variety of many of these unethical drug promotions, it all can create an impression of legitimacy and independence. He added that it also frequently misinforms consumers about the drugs they buy. "This is clearly unethical," he remarked.
Dr. Touray added that "drug companies promote false or misleading claims about drugs, deliberately suppress risks and adverse side effects of their drugs and provide financial incentives to doctors who prescribe their patients."
He said although there are various international, regional and national codes, many of them lack effective enforcement regimes or are not enforced citing the example of the WHO.
Dr. Touray finally urged for efforts to provide an improved legislative and policy framework governing the use of drugs in the Gambia.
Other speakers at the opening ceremony included Baba Mustafa Marong, the coordinator of GICAP project and Dr. Omar Touray. The workshop was chaired by Mrs. Fatou Kinteh who also gave the closing remarks.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 32/2007, 19 - 20 March 2007
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A clear conscience fears no accusation - proverb from Sierra Leone |
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che
South Africa
40 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2007 : 12:44:31
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| Without question the responsible body in the Gambia cant allow compounding,shelfing,prescription,selling & dispensing of drugs & related substances without clear regulations.It remains the initiative of the health department to address such issues.The first step is having a well organised Medical Research Council & clear Medicines & Related Substances Act.This serves to protect the public from abuse of medications or drugs by us the health workers,as well as consumers themselves & enhances accountabilty.The outcome is usually scheduling of drugs according to different classes.Pushing gorvenmnets into a corner can be a good thing as the CONSUMER COUNCIL has done |
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toubab1020
12314 Posts |
Posted - 14 Apr 2007 : 13:30:04
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Can someone define an "unethical drug" .
I am sure those who attended the "workshop" at the Sun Beach Hotel had a very nice lunch, any idea what was on the menu? |
"Simple is good" & I strongly dislike politics. You cannot defend the indefensible.
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