Frontline Season 7 Episode 8

Frontline Season 7 Episode 8 Who Profits from Drugs

  • February 21, 1989

Who Profits from Drugs is a gripping episode of Frontline's seventh season that deals with the drug industry in detail. The episode takes a deep dive into the pharmaceutical industry and examines how different actors benefit from drug prices. The episode asks several thought-provoking questions that are important for all individuals to consider regarding their healthcare.

The episode takes viewers on a journey through the complex world of drug pricing, from pharmaceutical companies to insurance companies. The pharmaceutical industry spends billions of dollars on developing new drugs, and they enjoy patent protection for their products. As a result, they can set high prices for their products. However, their pricing decisions are not always justifiable, and many individuals are questioning whether the current pricing strategy is sustainable.

The episode examines how insurance companies and pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are also benefiting from the high cost of prescription drugs. PBMs are essentially intermediaries between insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies, and their primary function is to negotiate drug prices. The episode sheds light on the conflicts of interest faced by PBMs, as they are paid by insurers, but their decisions affect the prices paid by patients.

The episode also features interviews with industry insiders, whistleblowers, and policymakers. The interviews provide valuable insights into the complex dynamics that influence drug pricing decisions. Viewers will hear from patients who have been affected by high drug prices, highlighting the human cost of this complex issue.

Who Profits from Drugs is a must-watch episode for anyone concerned about the cost of healthcare, rising drug prices, and the sometimes-opaque practices of the pharmaceutical industry. The episode provides a detailed overview of pricing decisions from the point of designing a drug all the way to it getting into the hands of a consumer. The episode is a means to bridge the gap between the pharmaceutical industry and the general public.

Frontline's Who Profits from Drugs is a well-researched and thoroughly reported episode that delivers a clear and concise message to its viewers. The episode is a testament to the journalistic prowess of the show's production team, who are unearthing vital information necessary for viewers to comprehend the workings of the healthcare industry in the US. The episode explains how the drug industry affects policies and governance, thus affecting the wellbeing of the general public.

In conclusion, Who Profits from Drugs is an eye-opening episode that gives viewers a better understanding of the forces at play regarding drug pricing. The episode presents the facts behind drug pricing and highlights the various actors who benefit from it. Every American is affected by the pricing of drugs and the consequences of those prices. By watching the episode, individuals can gain a better understanding of the drug industry, providing them with valuable insights and new perspectives. The episode is a boon to everyone seeking to navigate the healthcare industry and come out on top with better health outcomes and more affordable medicines.

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Description
  • First Aired
    February 21, 1989
  • Language
    English