An increase in the number of advertisements by the drug companies has prompted the doctors to urge the government to ban prescription drug ads from television, news papers and magazines. American Medical Association's New Jersey delegate Dr. Angelo agro said that such ads can undermine doctor's credibility especially if physician thinks an advertised drug isn't the best choice for a patient who demands it. He also added that ads have tuned into a competition "to see who can sell more of their anthistamines of nasal sprays. The patient is at best incompletely informed and at worst deluded.
Hence the proposed resolution asks the AMA to petition the FDA to ban "direct to consumer" drug ads, as this much curb the doctor-patient relationship.But the FDA's medical officer Dr. Jeffrey Shuren, who oversaw the proposal told that the FDA does not have the authority to implement a ban since the ads are allowed by law.
At the same time several doctors told committee members that such as would encourage patients who otherwise would not seek medical attention when needed. This point has been emphasised by Psychiartrist Dr. Saul Levin said ads for antidepressants, for example, help take the stigma out of depression and may make sufferers realize that they are not alone.
On veiwing such proposals President Bush has said he'd veto any proposal that encourage laswuits rather than resolving disputes in independent reviews. Secretary of Health Services Tommy Thompson addressed the delegates and told them the Bush administration believes a patients bill of rights is likely to become a reality. "Every patient should be able to get the treatment that he or she needs, including the right.. to see the specialist when a specialist is needed, Thompson said, prompting a standing ovation by several hundred AMA members attending the opening session at a downtown hotel.
