policy_redux

The Real Price of Big Pharma's Huge Fines

So true Mr. Lowe, so true. While criminal penalties would definitely have an impact, most people would think the penalty disproportionate. Would you do this in other heavy regulated industries, say oil or communications? Until the perverse incentive is removed (profit) you won't deal with the issue at hand. I liked the fact that the Pfizer settlement was calculated as a percent of off label sales (done liberally b/c of multiple CIA infractions). The heavier the fines and more protections for whistleblowers are the best solution.

More on 'Big Pharma Maintains Illusion of Innovation' (Response to Ken Johnson)

the simple answer to your last question is....... cost shifting. Every health care entity does it. Why pick on Pharma, it only makes up roughly 13% of total health care expenditures. If you want to talk about the non-transparency and waste of cost shifting in health care wouldn't it make prudent sense to look at the 80% that isn't drugs?