Canadian Health Minister Considering Forced Transparency

We recently wrote about ten Canadian pharmaceutical companies that are voluntarily disclosing payment amounts to the general public. Now, the Ontario Health Minister, Eric Hoskins, is thinking about mandating that pharmaceutical companies disclose payments made to doctors. He made the announcement in mid-June, and will hold consultations before making any decision. Hoskins applauded the earlier voluntary transparency decision made by the ten Canadian companies, noting that “Our system is strongest when patients and the public have access to appropriate information so they can make informed decisions about their health care.” He further noted – perhaps tellingly – that, “[o]ur government is committed to strengthening transparency across the health care sector.” Not only does this follow the voluntary disclosure made, it also follows an independent review of Canada’s new prescription guidelines by federal Health Minister Jane Philpott. The review was ordered because of revelations that a doctor had received financial compensation from companies that make and market opioids. That doctor was part of a committee of medical experts who voted on whether to accept the guidelines. Annie Bourgault, head of ethics and compliance at GSK Canada, welcomes the announcement and hopes that it prompts other companies to disclose their payments. She believes that “it’s really essential to build patient trust through transparency.” Bourgault said GSK is ready to release ph...
Source: Policy and Medicine - Category: American Health Authors: Source Type: blogs