The front page of the BMJ [Saturday, 29 May 2021]:
In which this news was shared:
And this was the supporting Editorial:
This was the front page of The Sunday Post, a day after the BMJ front page:
The investigation behind the Sunday Post front page can be read in full here.
As an NHS doctor of 25 years, on a daily basis, I came across patients who were suffering from the effects of dependence on prescribed drugs [such as pain killers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics]. Drugs that they had taken in good faith but found that they could not stop without withdrawal effects [which not uncommonly were both severe and protracted].
My view:
Scottish Universities should not be adverts for commercial interests. Science is based [a priori] on objectivity and this requires full transparency. Otherwise there may be a “fictional quality” to Evidence Based Medicine and Informed Consent.
Footnote:
The Scottish Government had an opportunity to lead the way. However, in a decision made behind closed doors – a decision that was not shared with the Scottish Parliament – the Scottish Government chose to ignore the voice of the people .