[e-drug] AstraZeneca launched new 'Patient Assistance Program' (6)

["BONFACE FUNDAFUNDA" <bcfunda@hotmail.com>]

E-DRUG: AstraZeneca launched new 'Patient Assistance Program' (6)
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Dear all,

   This  is exactly what many of us thought would be the next development
   after  direct-to-customer  sale of pharma drugs (specifically over the
   internet): Companies providing an expanded service direct to patients,
   by-   passing  the  legal  entities  mandated  to  provide  healthcare
   services.  So  these  companies want to offer this 'patient assistance
   program'.  I  cannot  see  them  being  responsible and liable for any
   untowards  effects / events that might occur as a consequence of their
   'assistance',  whereas  a local hospital and even a Ministry of health
   might assume that liability.

   Other  colleagues  have  pointed out that there's plenty of commercial
   incentive   for   such   assistance,   including   so-  called  social
   responsibility.  But  I  think  this sort of idea is stretching social
   responsibility  rather  too  far.  Industry should be looking at other
   ways  such  as  ensuring national authorities are empowered to provide
   full  and  effective  services to the public (who, afterall, are their
   potential  customers),  rather  than  promote activities that would in
   fact conflict with the responsibilities national health systems.

   Regards,

   Bonnie
   Bonface Fundafunda PhD, MBA, B.Pharm(Hon)
   Hartmannsvej 16,
   Kgs.Lyngby
   2800 Denmark
   bcfunda@hotmail.com