On this photo are all the gifts a Malaysian general practitioner received in a span of 5 weeks from 17 hours of promoted related interactions with drug sales representatives.
16 multinational pharmaceutical companies and 9 local generic companies and distributors approached Dr Ibrahim. Drug companies shift their marketing efforts to markets in the developing countries since strict regulations in developed countries prohibit most marketing strategies.
Our research shows that poor government regulation, weak industry self regulation and major health challenges of irrational drug use, significantly compound the impact of irresponsible drug marketing on the poorest consumers in emerging markets.
Due to lack of independent information available to medical professionals and patients, medicines can be inappropriately prescribed, dispensed or sold.
The complete report can be downloaded on the website from Consumer International called Marketing Overdose.
Marketing Overdose is:
.... a campaign organised by Consumers International.
Our aim is to expose examples of irresponsible drug marketing and campaign for effective rules and regulations to ensure doctors the public and patients have access to independent, accurate and up-to-date information.
Consumers International (CI) is the world federation of consumer groups that, working together with its members, serves as the only independent and authoritative global voice for consumers.
With over 220 member organisations in 115 countries, CI is building a powerful international movement to help protect and empower consumers everywhere.
Founded in 1960, the organisation is now needed more than ever. This modern movement is essential to secure a fair safe and sustainable future for consumers in a global marketplace increasingly dominated by international corporations.
Consumers International is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, registered in England
Related posts on this blog:
Direct to Consumer Advertising in Europe
4 Reasons for Drug Companies to move to China
Doctors and Drug Companies
1 comment:
Following on from this report, you may also be interested in the series of campaign films just released by Marketing Overdose.
The pharmaceutical industry spends US$60 billion on drugs marketing each year, twice as much as it spends on research and development. Yet consumers know next to nothing about where this money is going.
Available via youtube, the films reveal where pharma companies spend this money, how it increases drugs sales, and why this irresponsible behaviour is putting consumer health at risk:
Pharma TV - watch the TV ad for Strivor. It could be coming to a pharmaceutical shopping channel near you soon!
Pharma Confidential - a drug sales training video for the spoof new wonder pill - Strivor.
Pharma Facts - expert analysis of real world marketing practices by pharmaceutical companies.
View the entire series at www.marketingoverdose.org
Please feel free to link to or embed the video player in your own website or blog
Post a Comment