Dr Shahida Memon

The ethical issues surrounding pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers, including physicians, are not unique to Pakistan but are global concerns. These issues include conflicts of interest, financial incentives, prescription practices, and their impact on patient care. But unfortunately little research and attention is given to this . 1) Conflict of Interest: The relationship between pharmaceutical companies and healthcare providers can raise concerns about conflicts of interest. Doctors receiving gifts, payments, or sponsorships from pharmaceutical companies may be influenced in their prescribing practices. This can undermine trust in the medical profession and potentially harm patients. 2) Influence on Prescription Practices: Doctors prescribing more expensive branded drugs when cheaper generic alternatives are available can lead to increased healthcare costs for patients and healthcare systems. This practice may be driven by financial incentives provided by pharmaceutic...

Every year, from August 1st to 7th, the world observes Breastfeeding Week. This global initiative, organized by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA), aims to remove obstacles that hinder breastfeeding. Each year carries a different theme; for 2023, it's "Let’s Make Breastfeeding and Work, Works." The focus is to empower working women by facilitating breastfeeding for their infants in the workplace. This issue is critical since more than half of working women worldwide lack essential maternity protections. Alarmingly, only 20% of countries provide women employees with paid breaks and facilities for breastfeeding or expressing breast milk. This paradox highlights the contradiction between empowering women in economic development and not adequately supporting their needs in the workplace. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that fewer than half of infants under six months of age are exclusively breastfed. Interestingly, Islamic teachings, as eviden...