[The influence of the pharmaceutical industry in patient organisations].
Most patient organisations have no objection to sponsoring by the pharmaceutical industry. Only 5% of all organisations are against sponsoring. When patient organisations were asked whether or not their activities could continue without sponsoring, 42% answered no, 6% yes, and 52% felt that they might continue, but restricted. In a report of the public health inspector on the subject, transparency is considered to be a remedy for the entanglement between patient organisations and the pharmaceutical industry. However, the authors doubt that this is effective. The government should provide sufficient support for patient organisations so that they can become independent from the industry.
Academisch Medisch Centrum/Universiteit van Amsterdam, Afd. Neurologie, H2-227, Postbus 22.700, 1100 DE Amsterdam. m.vermeulen@amc.uva.nl
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D016265:Conflict of Interest; D030881:Disclosure; D004345:Drug Industry / Q000941:ethics*; D005378:Financial Support; D006801:Humans; D014837:Voluntary Health Agencies / Q000941:ethics*