US survey claims drug samples denied to poor

Drugmakers' free samples that are provided to US physicians are disproportionately given to insured patients on higher-than-average incomes, according to research published in the American Journal of Public Health. In response to the claims, Ken Johnson, senior vice president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), said: "distribution of free samples by technically-trained pharmaceutical research company representatives - many of whom are health care professionals themselves - plays a critical role in improving patient care and fostering the appropriate use of medicines. Providing physicians with free samples of pharmaceuticals clearly benefits patients and advances health care throughout the United States."