Friends of Science in Medicine
COVID-19 – transparency and communication are key: “As the first wave of COVID-19 vaccination gets under way, the need for good communication has never been greater. Without it, the extraordinary scientific advances that have led to the vaccines’ development might easily be … [Read more...]
Complementary medicines advertising policy – Part I – unethical conduct in the Australian market before July 2018: “Numerous complementary medicines (and medical devices) that were extensively advertised failed to meet real health needs, diverted consumers from more evidence-based treatment and … [Read more...]
Multiple medications fail to meet safety standards: When unsafe products and contaminated medicines are identified through random checks by the TGA, it begs the question – how many health products are getting to consumers that fail to meet standards? It’s likely … [Read more...]
What do consumers think about homeopathic remedies? “Homeopathy is a good example of the friction between the profession of pharmacy, and the business of pharmacy. Pharmacists are health care professionals, but pharmacies sell lots of nonsense that isn’t evidence based … [Read more...]
Did you watch The Checkout on ABC TV?
From 2013 to 2018, this show shone a spotlight on bad business practices and helped millions of Australians get clued up on our rights. For example:
We think that the more attention on consumer issues, the … [Read more...]
Where food meets medicine – reform needed: “…the regulation of health claims for foods and therapeutic goods is inconsistent; complaint systems are inadequate, no effective penalties are applied for documented breaches of the law, and questionable (and potentially dangerous products) are … [Read more...]
Australian patients vulnerable to quacks: Adequate consumer protection should focus on prevention. In Australia, it all too often involves action after a harmful event. Australian consumers are particularly vulnerable as we have one of the lowest rates of adequate … [Read more...]