HST410H1S
Light, D. (2010). The Risks of Prescription Drugs. New York: Columbia University Press.
Donald light is a professor of comparative health at rowan university schools of osteopathic medicine. He received his B.A in history from Stanford University, his MA in sociology at the University of Chicago and a PhD in sociology from Brandeis. He is one of the founding fellows of bioethics and he is interested in the historical roots of institutional corruption and how this leads to the creation of prescription drugs and the consequences it entails. His is further concerned about current laws and regulations put in place to bring about development of drugs with little benefit, rather than focusing on drugs with immense benefit. His background in economics and sociology enables him to analyze health care policies and compare health care system1. There is no indication of a conflict of interest between the industry and his profession as a professor and author. …show more content…
I strongly agree that they would like to carry out their jobs in protecting society’s safety but are hindered in their functioning through the pressure from the society and industry. In addition, they are weak at regulating and enforcing the rules necessary to save many lives. Light gives examples of drugs such as thalidomide which was marketed to the public as a treatment for morning sickness in the united states but, Frances Kelsey , a diligent staff of the FDA prevented the sale of the Thalidomide drug even though she received constant pressure from her superiors. In addition to this topic, the regulation of drugs in other continents like Africa should be discussed as they are constantly the examples of pharmaceutical industry profitzation of risk. The means of influence on industry and drug corporations of other countries can be discussed to provide a wholesome picture as to how risks are borne in the world of