The Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority reprimanded Novo Nordisk for not disclosing payments to healthcare professionals and organizations in the UK, totaling £7.8m. The lack of transparency could have influenced healthcare decisions and policy making. The company’s poor compliance with industry standards highlighted the need for a Sunshine Act to mandate transparent disclosure of payments. Self-regulation by the pharmaceutical industry has been ineffective in ensuring transparency. Legislation modeled after the US Sunshine Act, which imposes financial penalties for non-compliance, could enhance transparency and accountability in the UK healthcare sector. The government’s focus on economic growth in the health sector may support such legislation.
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