Scotland: Industry Sponsored Docs on Mesh Safety Review Team

Another story by Scottish reporter Marion Scott finds that a government probe into mesh implants is allegedly under the heavy influence of industry in this case Johnson & Johnson's Ethicon division.

Two of the doctors placed on a government review team have been named - Ash Monga and Karen Guerrero.

Dr. Monga calls himself a "consultant for Gynecare" in a 2009 research paper, and Dr. Guerrero has received an "educational sponsorships" which includes travel and payments from Ethicon and C.R. Bard, another mesh maker.

Scottish Mesh Survivors, a grassroots group of women implanted with mesh, is concerned that a government review may be compromised by these appointments. You'll recall Health Minister Alex Neil asked for a suspension on the use of pelvic organ mesh fearing the actual reports he heard from mesh-injured women represented just a fraction of what was happening.

The two doctors are members of a 22-member safety review commission which is charged with investigating pelvic mesh products. That review was launched by Health Secretary Neil.

See the background story here.

Sunday Mail's Marion Scott's excellent reporting here.

Scottish Labour’s shadow health secretary Neil Findlay said: “It is outrageous that, after taking over a year to reach a decision on mesh implants, the Health Secretary has appointed doctors to the review who might appear to have a vested interest.“Those affected have been through far too much in the past few years and this latest development is simply inexcusable.”

More quotes from the story here:

Ethicon’s Lucinda Macari said: “Ethicon, in conjunction with the Association of British Healthcare Industries, are supporting efforts by the Scottish Independent Review to gather full and accurate information about pelvic mesh products.”The Scottish Government said: “This must be an entirely independent review and will be completed as such.”