Opinion

Drug industry gifts: Congress should practice what it preaches

LETTER — Posted Aug. 25, 2008

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Regarding "Drug industry: No more free pens, pads or mugs" (Article, July 28): Where's the fairness?

PhRMA says that pens, pads and a lunch can influence our decisions and what meds we write for the patients we are entrusted to care for. Congress agrees, as evidenced by the Physician Payment Sunshine Act presently being considered.

Yet at the same time, aren't drug companies giving millions to congressmen in the form of PACs? They gladly accept that money. And we are to believe that doesn't unduly influence and affect Congress' decision-making process in matters of national health care? Please.

If you need a definition of hypocrisy, just re-read that article and you'll get a clear picture.

Do away with the pens and the lunches and "stipends"? That's great, but let's see some similar regulation of political contributions given to Congress, and accepted by them, if we're really serious about avoiding undue influence and being "transparent" for the public.

I'm not holding my breath.

Joe Johnson, MD, Cullman, Ala.

Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2008/08/25/edlt0825.htm.

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