P
Penguin
Guest
I wanted to address the idea that pharmaceutical companies are "evil." I didn't want to address this in the current health forum, because this is a controversial subject.
First of all, there are illnesses and injuries. I know that's an obvious fact, and I don't mean to insult anyone's intelligence. I start with that for the sake of establishing the basics and building upon them.
Secondly, doctors treat those illnesses and injuries. While we are able to improve and maintain our health through our lifestyle choices, there are some illnesses and injuries that require a doctor's attention.
To treat illnesses and injuries, doctors prescribe medications. Even in the event of surgery, medications are provided to prevent infection, pain, and other potential problems during recovery. The medications are complicated, thoroughly tested, and manufactured from "brick and mortar" facilities. In addition, the means by which these medications are shipped to where they are needed cost.
Businesses that produce medication are exactly that: a business. They make money to continue their business, while also providing paychecks to employees and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Yes, it is likely the CEO will become rich, but each business starts out small and builds on itself. These things take time, and millionaires often make wise financial decisions to grow their wealth. Consequently, their wealth is not directly from the business, but from being good stewards of their income.
Of course, we don't have cures for every illness. That is unfortunate, but many pharmaceutical companies participate in research and development for better medications. There are potential cures for certain cancers and autoimmune diseases because of the research and development funded by pharmaceutical companies. The companies do profit from the illness of people, but that is the demand; pharmaceutical companies provide the supply--again, just like a regular business.
Because of the illness and injury in the world, there will always be a need for doctors, surgeries, and medications. Even if we were to cure every illness out there, we won't cure falls, car wrecks, gunshot wounds, and other injuries that occur. Pharmaceutical companies are there to improve our lives in ways that exercise, eating healthy, and other lifestyle choices cannot.
If pharmaceutical company executives were only motivated by money, there are other, easier industries they could become involved in. Pornography is just one example that is just as financially lucrative (if not more) than providing medications. Should we provide free healthcare? I certainly support it. Could we find ways to lower the cost of medications? Probably, and I would agree there needs to be more effort to pursue those developments. What I don't agree with is the idea that pharmaceutical companies exist to provide some sort of false treatment only to acquire money.
Pharmaceutical companies do not control the industry of healthcare. If anything, medical insurance companies would make a likely culprit. They often promise to insure people, only to reject claims on such policies, using any legal loophole they can find. Those insurance companies are in the business of making money, and the only way they do that is if they avoid paying out on claims. While there are those insurance company executives who come into the industry to be helpful, the industry as a whole--while not necessarily inherently evil--is far more motivated by greed.
That's my two cents, and I hope you'll take it into consideration.
As Always,
Waddle On
First of all, there are illnesses and injuries. I know that's an obvious fact, and I don't mean to insult anyone's intelligence. I start with that for the sake of establishing the basics and building upon them.
Secondly, doctors treat those illnesses and injuries. While we are able to improve and maintain our health through our lifestyle choices, there are some illnesses and injuries that require a doctor's attention.
To treat illnesses and injuries, doctors prescribe medications. Even in the event of surgery, medications are provided to prevent infection, pain, and other potential problems during recovery. The medications are complicated, thoroughly tested, and manufactured from "brick and mortar" facilities. In addition, the means by which these medications are shipped to where they are needed cost.
Businesses that produce medication are exactly that: a business. They make money to continue their business, while also providing paychecks to employees and the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Yes, it is likely the CEO will become rich, but each business starts out small and builds on itself. These things take time, and millionaires often make wise financial decisions to grow their wealth. Consequently, their wealth is not directly from the business, but from being good stewards of their income.
Of course, we don't have cures for every illness. That is unfortunate, but many pharmaceutical companies participate in research and development for better medications. There are potential cures for certain cancers and autoimmune diseases because of the research and development funded by pharmaceutical companies. The companies do profit from the illness of people, but that is the demand; pharmaceutical companies provide the supply--again, just like a regular business.
Because of the illness and injury in the world, there will always be a need for doctors, surgeries, and medications. Even if we were to cure every illness out there, we won't cure falls, car wrecks, gunshot wounds, and other injuries that occur. Pharmaceutical companies are there to improve our lives in ways that exercise, eating healthy, and other lifestyle choices cannot.
If pharmaceutical company executives were only motivated by money, there are other, easier industries they could become involved in. Pornography is just one example that is just as financially lucrative (if not more) than providing medications. Should we provide free healthcare? I certainly support it. Could we find ways to lower the cost of medications? Probably, and I would agree there needs to be more effort to pursue those developments. What I don't agree with is the idea that pharmaceutical companies exist to provide some sort of false treatment only to acquire money.
Pharmaceutical companies do not control the industry of healthcare. If anything, medical insurance companies would make a likely culprit. They often promise to insure people, only to reject claims on such policies, using any legal loophole they can find. Those insurance companies are in the business of making money, and the only way they do that is if they avoid paying out on claims. While there are those insurance company executives who come into the industry to be helpful, the industry as a whole--while not necessarily inherently evil--is far more motivated by greed.
That's my two cents, and I hope you'll take it into consideration.
As Always,
Waddle On
