Astroturfing & Consumer Advocacy Down Under
4 CommentsBy Ed Silverman // November 17th, 2008 // 11:42 am
An upcoming conference devoted to regulating and paying for new medicines, which is co-sponsored by the Australian government and an industry trade group, is drawing fire from an advocacy group that complains a hihg-profile speaker prominently billed as a consumer advocate is a stalking horse for drugmakers.
The brochure for Future of Medicines event, which takes place November 25 and 26, notes that Durhane Wong-Rieger, the founder and head of the Consumer Advocare Network, a national network of patient groups, will discuss the role of the consumer.
However, Healthy Skepticism has protested to the Australian government - so far, to no avail - that Wong-Rieger’s upcoming appearance is an example of astroturfing. She and “the organizations with which she is associated epitomize the globalization of pharmaceutical industry-funded patient organizations,” the group complains.
For instance, Healthy Skepticism charges her network’s web site provides no info about its members or staff, or annual reports; most entries date from 2002 and 2003; public policy positions routinely advance pharma objectives, and some funding comes from PhRMA and Rx&D, Canada’s pharm group (and here is a long list of alleged ties).
But in a recent letter, David Learmonth, the Department of Health’s deputy secretary, wrote Healthy Skepticism that Wong-Rieger is not appearing as a “designated consumer advocate.” In fact, he maintains that her support of industry positions and her industry funding is well known. [Our thought: The brochure does appear to hold her out as a consumer advocate, yet does not disclose any industry ties. This appears misleading].
Robyn Clothier
Thanks for this coverage, Ed, but one small correction is needed. Healthy Skepticism is not a consumer group either. Though it is not a requirement, our members are predominantly health professionals.
Robyn Clothier
Administrative assistant
Healthy Skepticism Inc.
Ed Silverman
Hi Robyn,
Whoops. Sorry about that, but its clarified now. Thanks for pointing it out.
Regards
ed
Meg
The woman you highlight in the story may be taking lessons from NAMI. They are quick to point out, if asked, that they get SOME of their money from places other than PHARMA. Usually, they just try to avoid the topic.
Salmon
Meg,
Although NAMI is certainly well known as largely coopted by the pharmaceutical industry, virtually every other mental health patient advocacy organization is too. For example CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder), BDSA (Bipolar and Depression Support Alliance) as well as many others. I have even witnessed small guerilla type patient web sights slowly change over time to accept industry money.
Unfortunately, there are many antipsychiatry groups who believe to various degrees that these aren’t real diseases nor that any drugs actually work.
The truth as usual lies in the middle. I really don’t know of any good place to get information about drugs and diseases. Sites and groups I would recommend are AHRP and PsychRights and even MindFreedom. AHRP tries to advocate for oversight, PsychRights for legal Protections, and the reason I include MindFreedom although many of their associated groups are more against drugs than I am is because they believe in individual choice regarding drugs.