Who rules the great Indian drug bazaar?

Abstract

"If the one who decides does not pay, and the one who pays does not decide, will truth alone have a chance? If the one who decides does not pay, and the one who pays does not decide, and if the one who decides is ‗paid‘, will truth stand any chance? This was quoted by Dr K Weerasuriya, the WHO-SEARO representative on Essential Drugs and Medicines, while speaking at a seminar organised by the Forum for Medical Ethics Society (FMES) to discuss a study the society has undertaken on drug promotion practices of pharmaceutical firms in India. I intend to explain the purpose of the study, our impressions as we began looking at the subject, and what we believe will be its value." (pg 1)