I could argue either side of this question and feel convinced that both answers are reasonable. So, I'll argue that we do not need more effective control of the pharmaceutical industry. Instead, individuals need to more effectively manage themselves.
We live within a democratic system, which (at least in theory) extends to us the privileges of self-governance and freedom of choice. All privileges come with responsibility [at least that's what I tell my children]. We have the responsibility to inform ourselves about the products we purchase and the companies and individuals from whom we purchase those products. If we fail to fulfill our responsibilities to ourselves and others within our society and thereby unwittingly support corrupt business or consume defective or damaging products, we have ourselves to blame.
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I agree with you Lisa, but I think that in the area we live in we are more apt to research what we put into our body. On a whole, the country relies on their doctor to make the best decision for them. When one is sick and wants to feel better, they're not going to second guess their doctor (this is a gross assumption and educated guess of course). Most of the country doesn't think twice about what their doctors say, and certainly do not seek alternative modes of healing.
ReplyDeleteI say this because I have seen what the overuse of antibiotics have done to many. There are a lot of people (mostly women) who suffer from digestive issues and chronic yeast infections due to being prescribed too much antibiotics throughout their lives. Most of these people receive these prescriptions for ailments that will clear up on their own. I have even heard stories of people receiving antibiotics for a viral infection!
I believe in personal responsibility. But I also believe in corporate and systemic accountability and responsibility. It is one thing to do your own research and be responsible for all medications (and ideas) that you ingest, but we must take a more dynamic approach than just blaming those who follow the directions of their physician.
ReplyDeleteThere is a reason why other countries outlaw commercials for pharmaceutical drugs. It is deemed unethical. We can all run our individual lives with critical minds and a tightly woven ethical fabric. But we must demand the same from out system. That is, I believe, also a good exercise in democracy.
As acupuncturists our patients come to us because we provide information to them about their health. They put their trust in us and allow us to put needles in them and prescribe various herbs. We are duty bound to do what is best for them, Pharma and Docs should not be allowed to go outside these parameters for profit's sake. I say personal responsibility and system accountability works best.