Ethical aspects of Medical writing

The practice of hiring ghost medical writers is on increase both by the Pharmaceutical Industry as well as by the medical practioners as well. Recently I have come across a publication of a report which should serve as an eye opener for all of us . The details of the report are as given below:
OpEdNews: Robert Davidson - Writer By Robert Davidson, M.D., Ph.D.
November 27, 2009

The newly disclosed scourge of ghost written clinical research publications should not only be banned prospectively, but retracted retroactively. The FDA bases its decisions as to safety, efficacy, and whether to grant an NME (“new molecular entity”) expedited market approval under the Prescription Drug User Fee Act (“PDUFA”), in part, on clinical research publications. The FDA identifies “new risks” of marketed drugs and biologicals, on the basis of these articles and the AERS ("Adverse Event Reporting System"), and modifies the product's package labeling, accordingly. Most physicians base their clinical practice upon evidence found in these publications.

A Merck-funded study which appeared in the Annals of Internal Medicine in 2000, “Oral Montelukast Compared with Inhaled Salmeterol to Prevent Exercise-Induced Bronchoconstriction,” Jonathan M. Edelman, et al. Ann Intern Med.2000; 132: 97-104 (http://www.annals.org/cgi/reprint/132/2/97.pdf), involving the Exercise Study Group, is a case in point.

This is more required to be understood by non medical report writers who in my opinion may not appreciate the value of such findings in any study.

Such trends will be harmful for the patients at large.

Therapeutic advice Services

Dear All,

We have initiated a new service for all health-care service utilizers. Therapeutic advise is a service which can be availed by a patient as well as the medical practioner to confirm the scientific basis of this/her prescription to a patient. We offer these services online only on post event scenario. No hypothetical prescription will be evaluated on the pharmacological basis. The services are at a cost. I feel that today such services are required when the practice is taking a different shape and becomming more commercial than ethical nature. The details can be viewed at our website www.mmspl.co.in

I would like to know your opinion and suggestions .

Best wishes

Prof.Dr.Sudhir Dagaonkar

My Father

My father late Shri V. S. Dagaonkar had an exciting life sketch. Born in a landlord's family in Dagava a small family village owned by the family in Makadai state during the British Raj. Got his basic education in Harda and went to Mumbai for further studies and finally settled in Indore. He participated in freedom movement as a student. Started his career in Makdai state army and later as an executive in Indore Nagar Nigam in pre-independece period. During this period, he received Silver and Bronze medal from the President of India for exceptional services in the very first and second census of the country.

He joined the Urban Cooperative movement in early 50s and continued till his death. He and our family has contributed for over 60 years in the growth of INDORE PARASPAR SAHAKARI BANK LTD which has completed 100 yeras this year. President of India, Hon. Smt. Pratibhatai Patil had inagurated the centenary celebrations this year. SAHAKAR GAURAV - an award named in his memory awarded to the best worker in the urban cooperative field. He wa member of the first founding National council of urban cooperative banks in India. Initiated new loan schemes for housing and other needs of urban middle class . He was best known for the honesty , integrety and hard work in both his capacities as an officer and a director of the bank.

On a personal note, he will always be remembered as a loving and caring family head. He ensured that his children got the best of education and upbringing, thus empowering them for a bright future and making sure that they upheld the values he lived for. A great follower of Nehruvian thoughts we remember him always for the love and affection towards one and all.

Government , Higher education and Responsibility

Today is birthday of Pandit Nehru. The man who had vision of future India. The manner in which our generation born after independence got education at nominal cost in all most all branches like Medicine, Engineering etc can not be imagined by the present generation students. The concept that education will improve thinking has been defeated by yhe post nehru rulers. I have always felt that the higher education specially medicine and Engineering can be best imparted by the Government run institutions like the IIT's AIIMS/PGI or the other institutes . The fact is that today the colleges both Medical and Engineering are in plenty but producing graduates who are qualified but not employable. Who is responsible for this state of affairs? In my opinion since the time concept" Higher education is not the responsibility of GOvernment" has got its root the decay had started. No one knows how and when this concept got its firm place among the ruling class. Very few institutes of repute have been opened after Panditji's death.As a responsible educationist I have always supported the cause of merit education, Scholerships or assistance of any nature too the needy students.I sincerely hope that the situation will change for higher education in India so that middle and economically weaker sections are not deprived of higher education

Liver tonics

We come across patients with liver dysfunction consuming Liver tonics some on prescriptions and some without any medical advice. When I studies these preparations searched the available published literature the information was limited to some statements without any evidence. Are there any such proven preparation worth describing as Liver tonics? if we look into the cost of these preparation some are really unaffordable. The market segment of such preparations is huge.
Education of medical professional is definitely important but more important is education of general population who consumes without much benefits to them.
how to achieve this ? Can we think of any good modules for such a project?

Are there any real Livertonics?

Liver disorders affect human population to a significant extent. At the same time, besides curative medicines( Where Pathology is known) numerous preparation sold as Liver tonics. Does any of these have any significant therapeutic value? I have searched literature, conducted some studies but could not come across a single real meaningful preparation worth calling Liver tonic? Have you come across any? Number of preparations under herbal/ alternative medicine/ holistic medicine are popularly sold for the improvement of Liver functions. None has shown any documented proofs so far.

Higher education commission, India

The HRD ministry has decided to constitute a new commssion to regulate the professional higher education in India. At the same time it has also declared the reduced role of constitutional bodies like DCUI/MCI/UGC. Is it replacing commission A by B?
Creating new power educational centre in place multi-memeber bodies? HRD is being led by an Advocate a competent person . It seems that he will WIN THE ARGUMENT BUT LOSE THE CASE. Attitude in case of IIT teacher"s problem is also disappointing. Ultimately education is nobodys interest in this country. Hope they will not creat more and more DOOM universities in the country.