The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) has been accused of unethical behavior by “political officials.” (Medical News Today)
PhRMA is alleged to have given money to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce for an advertising campaign praising politicians who voted for Medicare Part D, the new prescription drug program. Quoting the AP, Medical News Today reports that Eric Wohlschlegel, spokesman for the Chamber of Commerce, said his agency paid for the ads but didn’t say whether or not it received money from PhRMA.
PhRMA senior vice president Ken Johnson admits to working with groups like the Chamber of Commerce and commented on the benefits of the prescription drug plan.
As expected, the issue is divided along party lines. According to the AP, some Democrats believe Medicare Part D is a “Republican-engineered windfall” for pharmaceutical companies.