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ESMO shares the disappointment of journalists, patient advocates and other non-prescribers for not being admitted to areas and activities where the promotion of prescription-only medicinal products takes place.
As an organisation working to disseminate knowledge in oncology, we would like to be able to offer every congress attendee full access to knowledge-sharing opportunities, which forms the foundation of our Congress philosophy.
As a respected organisation working with various oncology stakeholders, we have to abide by the regulations in the country where the Congress is being held, in this case Spain. ESMO has been legally advised that a Spanish national law (based on a 2001 EU Regulation) related to non-prescribers applies to medical congresses organised in Spain and we need to be compliant with it .
The following individuals may not access the spaces of the ESMO Congress where promotion of prescription-only or funded medicinal products or medical devices takes place:
- Patients
- Patient advocates
- Students
- Nurses
- Journalists
ESMO says: "It is expressly prohibited to advertise: (a) prescription-only medicinal products, (b) medicinal products funded by the Spanish Health National System; and (c) psychotropic substances, to individuals other than to healthcare professionals qualified to prescribe -or supply- medicinal products."
Does this apply to journalists?! Are satellite symposia considered "advertising?"
I'm no expert in Spanish drug promotion regulations and laws, but this just seems silly. Patient empowerment means access to medical information from all sources, including pharma-sponsored symposia at medical conferences. At least qualified journalists should have access.