SMDC's ban on drug advertising is hypocritical
It's ironic that SMDC Health System is banning drug company advertising from its facilities since the health system has flooded the market with its own advertising ("SMDC facilities bid freebies farewell," Jan. 20).
It's hard to miss the dozens of Duluth Clinic billboards and the ads that pepper the News Tribune and Duluth TV programming. Even Grandma's Restaurants bathrooms are adorned with clinic posters.
Some of the advertisements tout the health system's orthopedic department as "world class." I've found no evidence to support the claim. SMDC could use the money spent on restroom posters to update orthopedic equipment and training.
I worked in pharmaceutical sales for 29 years, retiring in the summer of 2001. I know clinic doctors have met pharmaceutical representatives in the parking ramp and have received updated information on products and samples for their own use. Samples were not given to patients, leaving them more likely to stop at the clinic pharmacy.
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I know clinics receive rebates from HMOs for attaining increasing levels of prescribed generic drugs. I hope physicians don't prescribe generics to reach a monetary goal.
I believe the Duluth Clinic doesn't do anything where money isn't a prime consideration.
Bill Lillibridge
Tower
Pharmaceutical freebie purge a smart move
Congratulations are due SMDC Health System for purging its offices and exam rooms of all the goodies from pharmaceutical companies ("SMDC facilities bid freebies farewell," Jan. 20). I only hope a trend will have been started that will spread throughout the U.S.
Diane Eisenman
Britt, Iowa
