Lansley’s experiment with the NHS must never be repeatedPrescriptions per person double
The number of prescriptions dispensed in the last two decades had doubled from eight a year to 16 despite most people living longer and healthier lives, a study has shown
The research paper, published in the Social Science & Medicine journal, accused pharmaceutical companies of “disease mongering”, arguing they massaged statistics and defined an increasing number of conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and high cholesterol, as diseases purely for the pursuit of profit.
Study author Professor Joan Busfield, of Essex University, said: “I think drugs are being overused. The population is getting healthier and healthier, longevity is increasing, but we are using more and more drugs.”
The professor also attacked the intensive marketing practices of drug companies, claiming that while doctors said their prescription choices were not influenced by the industry, research showed otherwise.
“The evidence indicates it is and that even small gifts can influence behaviour,” she said.
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Readers' comments (2)
Ceri Phillips | 29-Mar-2010 3:56 pm
Could people be living longer because of the drugs they are being prescribed?
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Anonymous | 2-Apr-2010 3:31 am
It's unclear from this summary whether they're counting prescriptions, or prescribed meds - it sounds like prescriptions. Locally in Scotland, there has been a push to restricting prescriptions to a 4-week supply to reduce wastage (& also standardises cost to patients, but moving towards free prescriptions so won't be relevant in the future). So whereas I was previously dispensed medication 2-monthly for a chronic condition, it is now monthly - twice as many annual prescriptions despite no change in meds. Does this study take account of such changes in prescribing practice?
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