Love Pharma, Get a Free TV Spot
The pharmaceutical industry is saying a big "THANK YOU" to its favorite politicians by promoting them in television ads, says the Wall Street Journal Health Blog .
Thanks to the watchdogs at the Center for Public Integrity, we now know that more than $13 million has been spent to praise the politicos who voted for the expansion of the SCHIP program.
The problem here, of course, is that it is neither obvious or transparent that these ads are funded by pharma rather than the impossible-to-object-with name of "America's Kids: Health Care for Kids". According to PhRMA, "these aren't campaign ads." Hmmm....just happened to produce an ad praising politicians up for reelection just 2 weeks before the vote takes place? Perfect timing, America's Kids, what a lucky accident.
The second problem is, of course, that particularly House members who often run cash strapped campaigns benefit from these ads--and my suspicion is that Congressmen and women will remember that little boost when it comes time to vote on the next health related bill that impacts the industry.
I don't fault the politicians--campaigns are tough and fundraising even tougher. It's large corporations or their trade organization trying to guarantee pro-pharma votes in Congress that pushes the ethical envelope. If you are going to buy votes, at least do so transparently, then at least we know what you are made of.
Summer Johnson, PhD
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