On March 31, 2010, Pfizer disclosed that it has paid $20 million to doctors and researchers for consulting and speaking in the last six months of 2009. The figure does not include monies paid to others outside of the United States. This is the first public accounting of the amount of money paid to persons who may be recommending drugs to patients. However, the amount has not been audited by any outside agencies.
How many more millions of dollars will be disclosed from other drug companies in the coming weeks and months remains to be seen. However, the ethical issues remain: Should drug companies be compensating doctors for promoting their products? Does this payment to researchers and doctors compromise the judgment of doctors and researchers? Does this payment to doctors compromise the patient/doctor relationship?
