Question

Given the history of conflicts of interest in prescribing drugs (including the pharmaceutical company’s aggressive marketing), is an independent body needed to recommend the medications based on evidence-based medicine? Discuss

Answer 1

The Evidence-based medicine (EBM) has three pillars which are research based evidence, expertise of the clinician/investigator and preference of the patient for a particular treatment. When it comes to prescribing the best possible treatment for the patient based on EBM we have to take into account the a key aspect of EBM which is providing highest possible care at the lowest possible cost. When a clinicain has conflicts of interest in prescribing drugs it diverts from EBM and affects the healthcare delivery. Hence given the history of conflicts of interest in prescribing drugs an independent body can play a regulatory role in recommend the medications as it shall ensure that patients are being given quality care with affordable/ best possible cost effective treatment. The cost effectiveness and EBM is critical in recent times as healthcare becomes the central pillar of good health. So an oversight by an independent body can elimicate conflicts of interest and ensure no one involved gains from the treatment of the patient and we can ensure ethical and rational recommend the medications based on evidence-based medicine .