The announcement by Medicines Australia that they will reduce their marketing to doctors to facilitate a better relationship with the Government is a great concern.

"The real issue is, why isn't the Government controlling the pharmaceutical industry properly" said Dr Tim Woodruff, President of the Doctors Reform Society.

"Why are they leaving it to this profit motivated industry to educate doctors about the best drugs for the right patient? Why does the Government spend only $5 million a year educating doctors (saving the Government an estimated $15 million) whilst leaving the pharmaceutical industry spending $750 million ($25,000 per doctor) per year pretending to educate but really just marketing for profit" said Dr Woodruff.

" We call on the Government to take a stand to control this marketing and to commit to proper independent education of doctors about prescribing drugs" said Dr Woodruff

2 September, 2002

Dr Tim Woodruff
President, Doctors Reform Society

Dr Con Costa
Vice President

Dr Peter Davoren
Vice President

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