Difference between revisions of "International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations"

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The IFPMA describes itself as a "non-profit, non-governmental organization representing industry associations from both developed and developing countries". [http://www.ifpma.org/index.aspx]  
+
The '''International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations''' (IFPMA) describes itself as a "non-profit, non-governmental organization representing industry associations from both developed and developing countries". [http://www.ifpma.org/index.aspx]  
 
It is one of the main trade groups lobbying to establish 'public-private partnerships' between the private pharmaceutical industry and public health initiatives. [http://www.haiweb.org/campaign/PPI/seminar200011.html#ftn2]
 
It is one of the main trade groups lobbying to establish 'public-private partnerships' between the private pharmaceutical industry and public health initiatives. [http://www.haiweb.org/campaign/PPI/seminar200011.html#ftn2]
  
Line 27: Line 27:
 
* to contribute industry expertise and foster collaborative relationships and partnerships with international organizations, national institutions, governments and non-governmental organizations that are dedicated to the improvement of public health, especially in developing and emerging countries;
 
* to contribute industry expertise and foster collaborative relationships and partnerships with international organizations, national institutions, governments and non-governmental organizations that are dedicated to the improvement of public health, especially in developing and emerging countries;
 
* to assure regular contact and experience-sharing and coordinate the efforts of its members towards the realisation of the above objectives." [http://www.ifpma.org/About_Us/about_mission.aspx]
 
* to assure regular contact and experience-sharing and coordinate the efforts of its members towards the realisation of the above objectives." [http://www.ifpma.org/About_Us/about_mission.aspx]
 +
 +
The IFPMA is also a supporter of strong patent and intellectual property rights. [http://www.ifpma.org/Issues/issues.aspx]
  
 
== Why are 'public-private partnerships' problematic? ==
 
== Why are 'public-private partnerships' problematic? ==
Line 35: Line 37:
 
* The increased possibility for rapid communication (Internet)
 
* The increased possibility for rapid communication (Internet)
 
* The spread of ideas
 
* The spread of ideas
−
* World-wide products and marketing" [http://www.haiweb.org/campaign/PPI/seminar200011.html#item2]
+
* World-wide products and marketing" {{ref|haiwebWalt}}
  
  
−
Judith Richter says “one has to look at today's public-private ventures in light of the political developments of the past thirty years. In her presentation, she highlighted the need to analyse so-called public-private partnerships also as part of a sophisticated corporate issues management plan aimed at advancing the political and economic agenda of transnational (TNC) corporations. An unquestioning rush on the part of many governments, UN agencies and some NGOs to join such 'partnerships' may ultimately damage public interests, she argues.” [http://www.haiweb.org/campaign/PPI/seminar200011.html#item3]
+
Judith Richter says “one has to look at today's public-private ventures in light of the political developments of the past thirty years. In her presentation, she highlighted the need to analyse so-called public-private partnerships also as part of a sophisticated corporate issues management plan aimed at advancing the political and economic agenda of transnational (TNC) corporations. An unquestioning rush on the part of many governments, UN agencies and some NGOs to join such 'partnerships' may ultimately damage public interests, she argues.” {{ref|haiwebRichter}}
  
 
There are essential questions that have to be addressed in the discourse on ‘public-private partnerships’ (PPP)
 
There are essential questions that have to be addressed in the discourse on ‘public-private partnerships’ (PPP)
Line 44: Line 46:
 
=== Money ===
 
=== Money ===
  
−
“The PPP discourse also does not mention that those transnational corporations that are offering donations to public institutions are often the very same corporations that have successfully lobbied for global tax restructuring. This has resulted in a redistribution of the world's wealth from the poor to the rich and the erosion of states' capacities to provide for public services.” [http://www.haiweb.org/campaign/PPI/seminar200011.html#item3]
+
“The PPP discourse also does not mention that those transnational corporations that are offering donations to public institutions are often the very same corporations that have successfully lobbied for global tax restructuring. This has resulted in a redistribution of the world's wealth from the poor to the rich and the erosion of states' capacities to provide for public services.” {{ref|haiwebRichter}}
  
−
Furthermore, attention has to be paid to the power and influence that the money involved in PPPs buys. “How much of a voice does the World Health Organization have in setting priorities for world health with its budget of approximately US$1 billion, when the [[Global Alliance on Vaccines Initiative]] (GAVI) has US$1 billion just for vaccines and the [[Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation]] is spending well over US$6 billion on infectious diseases?” [http://www.haiweb.org/campaign/PPI/seminar200011.html#item2]
+
Furthermore, attention has to be paid to the power and influence that the money involved in PPPs buys. “How much of a voice does the World Health Organization have in setting priorities for world health with its budget of approximately US$1 billion, when the [[Global Alliance on Vaccines Initiative]] (GAVI) has US$1 billion just for vaccines and the [[Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation]] is spending well over US$6 billion on infectious diseases?” {{ref|haiwebWalt}}
  
 
=== Motivation ===
 
=== Motivation ===
  
 
Why are companies interested in establishing ‘partnerships’ with public services?  
 
Why are companies interested in establishing ‘partnerships’ with public services?  
−
“We cannot escape the fact that all corporations have a fiduciary (legal) duty to maximise profit for their shareholders. No matter what the rhetoric, and the often good intentions of individuals working within corporations, there has to be a financial payoff-either in the short or long-term.” [http://www.haiweb.org/campaign/PPI/seminar200011.html#item6]
+
“We cannot escape the fact that all corporations have a fiduciary (legal) duty to maximise profit for their shareholders. No matter what the rhetoric, and the often good intentions of individuals working within corporations, there has to be a financial payoff-either in the short or long-term.” {{ref|haiwebRundall}}
 
   
 
   
−
“Not only corporate public relations professionals but also institutions such as the World Bank have advised corporate managers to engage in 'partnerships' with reputable institutions and individuals in order to 'build trust'. [...] Close association with the UN and NGOs can, for example, enhance the reputation of corporations through 'image transfer', irrespective of their actual practices. A good image can be of advantage in a competitive market. It is also a political resource. Corporations want to be seen as 'good corporate citizens'. They know that this might well translate into enhanced political legitimacy and influence.” [http://www.haiweb.org/campaign/PPI/seminar200011.html#item3]
+
“Not only corporate public relations professionals but also institutions such as the World Bank have advised corporate managers to engage in 'partnerships' with reputable institutions and individuals in order to 'build trust'. [...] Close association with the UN and NGOs can, for example, enhance the reputation of corporations through 'image transfer', irrespective of their actual practices. A good image can be of advantage in a competitive market. It is also a political resource. Corporations want to be seen as 'good corporate citizens'. They know that this might well translate into enhanced political legitimacy and influence.” {{ref|haiwebRichter}}
 +
 
 +
=== The term itself ===
 +
 
 +
In most cases ‘partnership’ is simply a euphemism for 'strategic sponsorship' or lobby activities. What, then, is sponsorship? “It is not a philanthropic gift. It is a commercial deal. Sponsorship is a payment by a business firm for the purpose of promoting its name, products or services.” {{ref|haiwebRundall}}
 +
 
 +
“In fact, many of the interactions, which are currently promoted as public-private partnerships, are not new. What is new is the name and the way in which governments, UN agencies and NGOs are rushing into them. What is also new is the extent to which safeguards for public interest-based policy-making and scientific standard-setting are being ignored.” {{ref|haiwebRichter}}
 +
 
 +
“Little discussed is a type of public-for-profit sector interaction which was hitherto seen as problematic in democratic societies: a new development in the name of 'partnership' is the ready acceptance of corporate participation in public policy-making, respectively UN attendance of corporate fora. […] Business leaders have also used their close relationship with the UN to press for a distinction between 'reasonable' and 'confrontational' NGOs. They have questioned the public funding of those NGOs which business labels as confrontational.
 +
The second problem is that the term 'partnership' is heavily value-laden. It gives the impression of equality and suggests that all sides are working for a joint goal. The positive connotation of public-private partnerships is no oversight. Indeed, two other value-laden terms are usually cited as main criteria for engaging in 'partnerships' with corporations and their business associations, namely 'trust' and 'mutual benefits'. Both the name and these criteria interfere with unprejudiced evaluations of whether or not these interactions are indeed beneficial for society. The measuring stick for engaging with corporations must remain the contribution of the venture to the promotion of public interests. It cannot be a question of trading some public interests against profit for the corporate participant.” {{ref|haiwebRichter}}
  
 +
=== Risks ===
  
 +
Risks so far remain “underexplored. […] The general trend towards PPPs can […] lead to censorship by and self-censorship within the UN, government or NGO counterpart and an overly optimistic depiction of transnational corporations' actual practices. It can result in 'institutional capture' in which the non-corporate partner is instrumentalised for a company's or business association's aims. Public-private partnerships risk weakening the key drivers of corporate 'responsibility', namely binding regulation, collective bargaining and more radical forms of social activism.” {{ref|haiwebRichter}}
  
 
== Individuals ==
 
== Individuals ==
  
−
IFPMA President  
+
=== IFPMA President ===
 +
In 2008...
 +
* [[Fred Hassan]] (USA) - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of the [[Schering-Plough]] Corporation. Hassan was previously chairman of the Board of Directors of the [[Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America]] (PhRMA) and chairman of the [[HealthCare Institute of New Jersey]]. Haasan has also in the past worked for [[Wyeth]] and [[Sandoz Pharmaceuticals]] (now [[Novartis]])<ref>International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations [http://www.ifpma.org/About_Us/about_council.aspx Council] Accessed 11th March 2008</ref>.
 +
 
 +
Formerly [[Dr. Daniel Vasella]], Chairman and Chief Executive Officer [[Novartis]] International AG
  
−
* [[Dr. Daniel Vasella]], Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Novartis International AG
+
=== IFPMA Vice Presidents ===
 +
In 2008...
 +
* [[Alessandro Banchi]] (Germany) - Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors for [[Boehringer Ingelheim]].
 +
* [[Haruo Naito]] (Japan) - President and Chief Executive Officer of [[Eisai]] Co. Ltd.
  
−
IFPMA Vice Presidents
+
Formerly [[Dr. Henry A. McKinnell, Jr.]], Chairman and Chief Executive Officer [[Pfizer]] Inc. & [[Haruo Naito]], President and Chief Executive Officer [[Eisai]] Co. Ltd.
  
−
* [[Dr. Henry A. McKinnell, Jr.]], Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Pfizer Inc.
+
=== Council members ===
−
*[[Haruo Naito]], President and Chief Executive Officer Eisai Co. Ltd.
+
in 2008<ref>International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations [http://www.ifpma.org/About_Us/about_council.aspx Council] Accessed 11th March 2008</ref>...
 +
* [[Miles D White]] (USA) - Chairman of the Board & CEO with [[Abbott Laboratories]]
 +
* [[Jorge Gallardo]] (Spain) - President of [[Almirall]]
 +
* [[Hatsuo Aoki]] (Japan) - Representative Director & Chairman of [[Astellas Pharma Inc.]]
 +
* [[Arthur Higgins]] (Germany) - Chairman, Executive Committee of [[Bayer]] Healthcare AG
 +
* [[Lamberto Andreotti]] (USA) - Executive Vice President & President, Worldwide Pharmaceuticals for [[Bristol-Myers Squibb]]
 +
* [[Antoni Esteve]] (Spain) - Executive Committee Member for [[Esteve]]
 +
* [[William Burns]] (Switzerland) - Chief Executive Officer, Pharmaceuticals Division with [[F Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd]].
 +
* [[Jean-Pierre Garnier]] (USA) - Chief Executive Officer for [[GlaxoSmithKline]]
 +
* [[Alberto Aleotti]] (Italy) - President & Chairman of [[Menarini]] SA
 +
* [[Richard T Clark]] (USA) - Chairman, President & CEO of [[Merck]] & Co., Inc.
 +
* [[Elmar J Schnee]] (Germany) - General Partner & Deputy Member of the Executive Board of [[Merck]] KGaA
 +
* [[Daniel Vasella]] (Switzerland) - Chairman & Chief Executive Officer of [[Novartis]] International AG
 +
* [[Toon Wilderbeek]] - (The Netherlands) - President of [[N V Organon]]
 +
* [[Jeffrey B Kindler]] (USA) - former Chairman & CEO of [[Pfizer]] Inc. (2006- December 2010)
 +
* [[Philippe Peyre]] (France) - Senior Vice-President, Affaires Générales with [[Sanofi-Aventis]]
 +
* [[Rafael Gual Cosio]] (Latin America) - Executive Director of [[Asociación Mexicana de Industrias de Investigación Farmacéutica]] A.C. (AMIIF) & [[Federación Latinoamericana de la Industria Farmacéutica]] (FIFARMA)
 +
* [[Gabriel Tannus]] (Brazil) - Executive President of [[INTERFARMA]]
 +
* [[Jeff Schultz]] (Republic of China) - Managing Director of the [[R&D-based Pharmaceutical Association in China]]
 +
* [[Bernard Lemoine]] (France) - Executive President of [[Les Entreprises du Médicament]] (LEEM)
 +
* [[Cornelia Yzer]] (Germany) - Director General with [[Verband Forschender Arzneinmittelhersteller]] (VFA)
 +
* [[Tapan Ray]] (India) - Director General of [[Organisation of Pharmaceutical Producers of India]] (OPPI)
 +
* [[Claudio Cavazza]] (Italy) - Board Member of [[Farmindustria]]
 +
* [[Kazutaka Ichikawa]] (Japan) - Director General of [[Japan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association]] (JPMA)
 +
* [[Keh Song Hock]] (Malaysia) - Executive Director of [[Pharmaceutical Association of Malaysia]] (PhAMA)
 +
* [[Pal Christian Roland]] (Norway) - Director General of [[Legemiddelindustriforeningen]] (LMI)
 +
* [[Michel Dutrée]] (The Netherlands) - General Manager of [[NEFARMA]]
 +
* [[Vladimir Shipkov]] (Russian Federation) - Executive Director of [[AIPM]]
 +
* [[Fok Tai Hung]] (Singapore) - Executive Director of [[Singapore Association of Pharmaceutical Industries]] (SAPI)
 +
* [[Vicki Ehrich]] (South Africa) - Chief Operating Officer of the [[Pharmaceutical Industry Association of South Africa]] (PIASA)
 +
* [[Humberto Arnés Corellano]] (Spain) - Director General of [[FARMAINDUSTRIA]]
 +
* [[Richard Bergström]] (Sweden) - Director General of the [[Swedish Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry]] (LIF)
 +
* [[Thomas Cueni]] (Switzerland) - Secretary General of [[INTERPHARMA]]
 +
* [[Engin Güner]] (Turkey) - Secretary General of [[Turkey's Association of Research-based Pharmaceutical Companies]] (AIFD)
 +
* [[Richard Barker]] (UK) - Director General of [[Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry]] (ABPI)
 +
* [[Billy Tauzin]] (USA) - President & Chief Executive Officer of [[Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America]] (PhRMA)
  
 +
Formerly...
 +
* [[Ms. Sabrina Chan]] of [[Hong Kong Association of the Pharmaceutical Industry]]
 +
* [[Mr. Jarmo Lehtonen]] of [[Pharma Industry Finland]] - PIF
 +
* [[Mr. Pavol Mazan]]of [[MAFS]]
 +
* [[Prof. Dr. Leo Neels]] of [[AGIM]]
 +
* [[Dr. Jorge Raimundo]]of [[INTERFARMA]]
 +
* [[Mr. Russell Williams]]of [[Canada's Research-Based Pharmaceutical Companies]]
 +
* [[Mrs Panida Panyangarm]] of [[Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers Association]] - PReMA
 +
* [[Mr. Ernesto Felicio]] of [[FIFARMA]] and [[CAEMe]]
 +
* [[Dr. Alessandro Banchi]] of [[Boehringer Ingelheim]]
 +
* [[Mr. Jean-François Dehecq]] of [[Sanofi Aventis]]
 +
* [[Dr. Franz B. Humer]] of [[F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG]]
 
[http://www.ifpma.org/About_Us/about_council.aspx]
 
[http://www.ifpma.org/About_Us/about_council.aspx]
  
−
Directors  
+
=== Directors ===
 +
In 2008<ref>International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations [http://www.ifpma.org/About_Us/about_sec.aspx Secretariate] Accessed 11th March 2008</ref>
 +
* [[Harvey E Bale, Jr.]], Director General
 +
* [[Odette Morin]], Director, Regulatory and Scientific Affairs
 +
* [[Eric Noehrenberg]], Director, International Trade and Market Policy
 +
* [[Ryoko Krause]], Director, Biologicals and Vaccines
 +
* [[Stefanie Meredith]] Director, Public Health Partnerships
 +
* [[Frédérique Santerre]], Health Care Systems (ad-interim)
 +
* [[Guy Willis]], Director of Communications
 +
* [[Laurent Renaud]] Director of Administration and Finances
 +
* [[Tatsuhiko Koizumi]] Japan Liaison Executive
 +
* [[George Herlin]] Manager, Information Technologies
  
−
* [[Dr. Harvey E. Bale, Jr.]], Director General
+
Formerly...
−
* [[Dr. Odette Morin]], Director, Regulatory and Scientific Affairs
 
−
* [[Dr. Eric Noehrenberg]], Director, International Trade and Market Policy
 
−
* [[Dr. Ryoko Krause]], Director, Biologicals and Vaccines
 
−
* [[Dr. Frédérique Santerre]], Health Care Systems (ad-interim)
 
−
* [[Mr. Guy Willis]], Director of Communications
 
 
* [[Mr. Takeshi Sano]], Japan Liaison Executive  
 
* [[Mr. Takeshi Sano]], Japan Liaison Executive  
−
 
 
[http://www.ifpma.org/About_Us/about_sec.aspx]
 
[http://www.ifpma.org/About_Us/about_sec.aspx]
  
Line 85: Line 157:
  
 
Members are national or regional pharmaceutical industry associations in more than 60 countries and the following “research-based pharmaceutical, biotech, and vaccine companies”:
 
Members are national or regional pharmaceutical industry associations in more than 60 countries and the following “research-based pharmaceutical, biotech, and vaccine companies”:
−
 
+
In 2008<ref>International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations [http://www.ifpma.org/About_Us/about_mem_europe.aspx Members] Accessed 11th March 2008</ref>...
 
* [[Abbott Laboratories]]
 
* [[Abbott Laboratories]]
−
* [[Akzo Nobel – Organon]]
 
 
* [[Almirall-Prodesfarma]]
 
* [[Almirall-Prodesfarma]]
 +
* [[Astellas Pharma]]
 
* [[AstraZeneca]]
 
* [[AstraZeneca]]
 
* [[Bayer]]
 
* [[Bayer]]
Line 95: Line 167:
 
* [[Chugai Pharmaceutical]]
 
* [[Chugai Pharmaceutical]]
 
* [[Eisai]]
 
* [[Eisai]]
−
* [[Eli Lilly]]
+
* [[Eli Lilly and Company]]
 
* [[Esteve]]
 
* [[Esteve]]
−
* [[F-Hoffmann-La Roche]]
+
* [[F Hoffmann-La Roche]]
 
* [[Astellas Pharma Inc.]]
 
* [[Astellas Pharma Inc.]]
 
* [[GlaxoSmithKline]]
 
* [[GlaxoSmithKline]]
−
* [[Merck & Co., Inc.]]
+
* [[Merck]]
 +
* [[Merck KGaA]]
 
* [[Menarini S.A.]]
 
* [[Menarini S.A.]]
−
* [[Merck KGaA]]
+
* [[Novartis]]
−
* [[Novartis International AG]]
 
 
* [[Pfizer]]
 
* [[Pfizer]]
 
* [[Sanofi-Aventis]]
 
* [[Sanofi-Aventis]]
−
* [[Institut de Recherches Internationales Servier – I.R.I.S.]]
+
* [[Servier I.R.I.S.]]
 
* [[Sigma-Tau]]
 
* [[Sigma-Tau]]
−
* [[Schering AG]]
 
 
* [[Schering-Plough]]
 
* [[Schering-Plough]]
 
* [[Takeda]]
 
* [[Takeda]]
 
* [[Wyeth]]
 
* [[Wyeth]]
  
 +
Formerly...
 +
* [[Akzo Nobel – Organon]]
 
[http://www.ifpma.org/About_Us/about_mem_americas.aspx]
 
[http://www.ifpma.org/About_Us/about_mem_americas.aspx]
 +
 +
==PR & Lobbying==
 +
In 2008, the IFPMA is listed as a past or current member of The [[Gorlin Group]]<ref>The Gorlin Group [http://www.gorlingroup.com/ Clients] Accessed 20th March 2008</ref>
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
Line 119: Line 195:
 
* http://www.ifpma.org/index.aspx
 
* http://www.ifpma.org/index.aspx
 
* http://www.haiweb.org
 
* http://www.haiweb.org
 +
* {{note|haiwebWalt}} Gill Walt [http://www.haiweb.org/campaign/PPI/seminar200011.html#item2 'Using private money for public health: the growing trend towards partnership'], November 3, 2000.
 +
* {{note|haiwebRichter}} Judith Richter [http://www.haiweb.org/campaign/PPI/seminar200011.html#item3 '"Partnerships" between UN agencies and transnational companies: A critical perspective'], November 3, 2000.
 +
* {{note|haiwebRundall}} Patti Rundall [http://www.haiweb.org/campaign/PPI/seminar200011.html#item6 'The Perils of Public-Private Partnerships: How do partnerships impact grassroots campaigns?'], November 3, 2000.
 +
 +
==References==
 +
<references/>
 +
 +
[[Category:Pharmaceutical Industry]]
 +
[[Category:Pharma Lobby Groups]]

Latest revision as of 21:22, 6 December 2010

The International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations (IFPMA) describes itself as a "non-profit, non-governmental organization representing industry associations from both developed and developing countries". [1] It is one of the main trade groups lobbying to establish 'public-private partnerships' between the private pharmaceutical industry and public health initiatives. [2]

History and mission

The IFPMA was created in 1968 in order to represent associations of international worldwide research-based pharmaceutical industry and manufacturers of prescribed medicines. The conditions for membership of the Federation include to good manufacturing practices and acceptance of the "IFPMA Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices". In November 2004, the IFPMA decided to make membership available to pharmaceutical companies, as long as these companies fulfil the conditions implied by the Federation’s objectives and mission. [3]

The Federation has established close connections with the United Nations as well as a number of international organisations. Some of them are:

[4]

Objectives

From the IFPMA website:

"The objectives of the Federation, as set out in the Article 2 of the IFPMA Statutes are:

  • to encourage a global policy environment that is conducive to innovation in medicine, both therapeutic and preventative, for the benefit of patients around the world;
  • to promote and support principles of ethical conduct and practices voluntarily agreed upon as exemplified by the IFPMA Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices;
  • to promote and support the adoption of high standards of manufacturing practices and quality assurance for pharmaceutical products;
  • to contribute industry expertise and foster collaborative relationships and partnerships with international organizations, national institutions, governments and non-governmental organizations that are dedicated to the improvement of public health, especially in developing and emerging countries;
  • to assure regular contact and experience-sharing and coordinate the efforts of its members towards the realisation of the above objectives." [5]

The IFPMA is also a supporter of strong patent and intellectual property rights. [6]

Why are 'public-private partnerships' problematic?

For Gill Walt, the reason for the "shift towards public-private partnerships on health is the result of increased global integration due to:

  • The scope and pace of goods moving across borders
  • The lack of geographical boundaries for infectious diseases
  • The increased possibility for rapid communication (Internet)
  • The spread of ideas
  • World-wide products and marketing" [7]


Judith Richter says “one has to look at today's public-private ventures in light of the political developments of the past thirty years. In her presentation, she highlighted the need to analyse so-called public-private partnerships also as part of a sophisticated corporate issues management plan aimed at advancing the political and economic agenda of transnational (TNC) corporations. An unquestioning rush on the part of many governments, UN agencies and some NGOs to join such 'partnerships' may ultimately damage public interests, she argues.” [8]

There are essential questions that have to be addressed in the discourse on ‘public-private partnerships’ (PPP)

Money

“The PPP discourse also does not mention that those transnational corporations that are offering donations to public institutions are often the very same corporations that have successfully lobbied for global tax restructuring. This has resulted in a redistribution of the world's wealth from the poor to the rich and the erosion of states' capacities to provide for public services.” [9]

Furthermore, attention has to be paid to the power and influence that the money involved in PPPs buys. “How much of a voice does the World Health Organization have in setting priorities for world health with its budget of approximately US$1 billion, when the Global Alliance on Vaccines Initiative (GAVI) has US$1 billion just for vaccines and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation is spending well over US$6 billion on infectious diseases?” [10]

Motivation

Why are companies interested in establishing ‘partnerships’ with public services? “We cannot escape the fact that all corporations have a fiduciary (legal) duty to maximise profit for their shareholders. No matter what the rhetoric, and the often good intentions of individuals working within corporations, there has to be a financial payoff-either in the short or long-term.” [11]

“Not only corporate public relations professionals but also institutions such as the World Bank have advised corporate managers to engage in 'partnerships' with reputable institutions and individuals in order to 'build trust'. [...] Close association with the UN and NGOs can, for example, enhance the reputation of corporations through 'image transfer', irrespective of their actual practices. A good image can be of advantage in a competitive market. It is also a political resource. Corporations want to be seen as 'good corporate citizens'. They know that this might well translate into enhanced political legitimacy and influence.” [12]

The term itself

In most cases ‘partnership’ is simply a euphemism for 'strategic sponsorship' or lobby activities. What, then, is sponsorship? “It is not a philanthropic gift. It is a commercial deal. Sponsorship is a payment by a business firm for the purpose of promoting its name, products or services.” [13]

“In fact, many of the interactions, which are currently promoted as public-private partnerships, are not new. What is new is the name and the way in which governments, UN agencies and NGOs are rushing into them. What is also new is the extent to which safeguards for public interest-based policy-making and scientific standard-setting are being ignored.” [14]

“Little discussed is a type of public-for-profit sector interaction which was hitherto seen as problematic in democratic societies: a new development in the name of 'partnership' is the ready acceptance of corporate participation in public policy-making, respectively UN attendance of corporate fora. […] Business leaders have also used their close relationship with the UN to press for a distinction between 'reasonable' and 'confrontational' NGOs. They have questioned the public funding of those NGOs which business labels as confrontational. The second problem is that the term 'partnership' is heavily value-laden. It gives the impression of equality and suggests that all sides are working for a joint goal. The positive connotation of public-private partnerships is no oversight. Indeed, two other value-laden terms are usually cited as main criteria for engaging in 'partnerships' with corporations and their business associations, namely 'trust' and 'mutual benefits'. Both the name and these criteria interfere with unprejudiced evaluations of whether or not these interactions are indeed beneficial for society. The measuring stick for engaging with corporations must remain the contribution of the venture to the promotion of public interests. It cannot be a question of trading some public interests against profit for the corporate participant.” [15]

Risks

Risks so far remain “underexplored. […] The general trend towards PPPs can […] lead to censorship by and self-censorship within the UN, government or NGO counterpart and an overly optimistic depiction of transnational corporations' actual practices. It can result in 'institutional capture' in which the non-corporate partner is instrumentalised for a company's or business association's aims. Public-private partnerships risk weakening the key drivers of corporate 'responsibility', namely binding regulation, collective bargaining and more radical forms of social activism.” [16]

Individuals

IFPMA President

In 2008...

Formerly Dr. Daniel Vasella, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Novartis International AG

IFPMA Vice Presidents

In 2008...

Formerly Dr. Henry A. McKinnell, Jr., Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Pfizer Inc. & Haruo Naito, President and Chief Executive Officer Eisai Co. Ltd.

Council members

in 2008[2]...

Formerly...

[17]

Directors

In 2008[3]

Formerly...

[18]

Members

Members are national or regional pharmaceutical industry associations in more than 60 countries and the following “research-based pharmaceutical, biotech, and vaccine companies”: In 2008[4]...

Formerly...

[19]

PR & Lobbying

In 2008, the IFPMA is listed as a past or current member of The Gorlin Group[5]

External links

References

  1. ↑ International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations Council Accessed 11th March 2008
  2. ↑ International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations Council Accessed 11th March 2008
  3. ↑ International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations Secretariate Accessed 11th March 2008
  4. ↑ International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers and Associations Members Accessed 11th March 2008
  5. ↑ The Gorlin Group Clients Accessed 20th March 2008
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