[e-drug] AstraZeneca launched new 'Patient Assistance Program'

["Hilbrand Haak" <haakh@chd-consultants.nl>]

E-DRUG: AstraZeneca launched new 'Patient Assistance Program'
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[The moderator posted a review of the American patient assistance programs some years' ago: http://www.essentialdrugs.org/edrug/archive/199812/msg00041.php. It is a shame that American citizens have to rely on donations from drug companies]

Dear E-druggers,

AstraZeneca announced a new programme to help Americans to pay for medicines. Beginning November 15th, a family of four earning $60,000 or less or individuals earnings $30,000 or less, who do not have prescription drug coverage, can qualify to get AstraZeneca medicines for free. 
A jubilant press release can be found on:

www.pharmalive.com/News/Index.cfm?te=ppj%40pwc%2Edk&articleid=387428

I am trying to understand what is behind this initiative, and wonder
what E-druggers find:

- Is AstraZeneca the "truly caring company who knows people need assistance", as the press release wants us to believe?
- Is this a response from the brandname industry to claw back market
share from the generic industry?
- Has AstraZeneca gotten into so much trouble (see earlier E-drug postings) that it needs to show a nice face?
- Has Corporate Responsibility become the fashion of the day for the industry?
- Or could it be that these sorts of programmes are actually cost-effective, and that public relations and promotion gains outweigh the costs of the programme? 
- Any other reason?

The discussion is open!

Hilbrand

Hilbrand Haak
Consultants for Health and Development
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