Novartis chief’s comments on industry ring true with Oxfam

Oxfam has agreed with a recent claim from Daniel Vasella, chief executive of Novartis, that the pharmaceutical industry needs to do more to repair its image.

Speaking at a recent meeting of the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA), Dr Vasella told the audience that the pharmaceutical industry has been hampered by a “perception of greed, lack of transparency, aggressive marketing and insensitivity toward the healthcare needs of the poor”, according to Reuters.

Ian Bray, senior press officer for Oxfam, said the Novartis chief’s comments represent a “remarkably accurate assessment” of the pharmaceutical industry.

“If the industry wants to clean up its act then it should stop using patents to block poor countries access to essential medicines,” he stated.

“It should also bring down the prices of essential medicines for developing countries.”

Mr Vasella stepped down as president of the IFPMA in favour of Fred Hassan, the chairman and chief executive of Schering-Plough.

Dr Vasella had presided over the IFPMA for two years during which a new, strict code of marketing and promotional practices was introduced, making the self-regulation programme more transparent.

Mr Hassan said he would continue to champion Dr Vasella’s goal to promote accountability and transparency in all aspects of healthcare.