Pharmaceuticals and the consumer movement: the ambivalences of 'patient power'.
Consumer and patient advocacy groups (PAGs) are important participants in the politics of pharmaceuticals. Yet very little is known about the precise nature and extent of their influence. It is argued in this article that PAGs fulfil a mixed role within the health system at national and transnational levels, and that they are at times fully incorporated into economic and political power structures. Their frequent dependence on pharma industry funding is of particular concern. PAGs provide a means of direct industry interaction with the final customer, thereby partially bypassing and putting additional pressure on doctors and regulators. The article presents the case for research to establish a better empirical base for discussions about the role of PAGs within contemporary neo-liberal governance structures.
Lofgren
Hans
H
School of Social and International Studies, Deakin University, Pigdons Road, Geelong, VIC 3217, Australia. hvml@deakin.edu.au
D001315:Australia; D003255:Consumer Organizations; D003659:Decision Making, Organizational; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D005653:Fund Raising; D006291:Health Policy / Q000191:economics / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006801:Humans; D038622:Internationality; D010344:Patient Advocacy; D011050:Policy Making; D011057:Politics; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012944:Social Support; D035502:Trust