New code doesn't end need for a law
THE PHARMACEUTICAL Research and Manufacturers of America implicitly acknowledged the inappropriate influence of pharmaceutical gifts to our healthcare providers in choosing to revise their voluntary standards on gifts ("Drug industry tightens rules on gift-giving," Page A1, July 11). Industry gifts to prescribers distort objectivity. We all pay the price in higher healthcare costs and compromised quality of care.
Unfortunately, the revised PhRMA code is neither adequately enforced nor sufficiently stringent to end this unethical marketing practice. PhRMA merely encourages its members to adopt the code and relies on companies to police themselves. The revised code continues to allow meals and other inappropriate gifts.
We strongly support the proposed Massachusetts pharmaceutical gift ban included in Senate President Therese Murray's healthcare cost-control bill, which the House is currently deliberating. The industry has been allowed to self-regulate for years, and evidence shows the giving of inappropriate gifts and payments continues to increase significantly.
We look to the House to resist PhRMA's efforts to undermine the legislation by rushing out an inadequately revised code. Only through law can we have an adequately strong and enforceable statewide standard that applies to all pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies and also to medical device companies.
LISA KAPLAN HOWE
Consumer Health Policy Coordinator
Health Care for All
Boston 