At the same time physicians tend to cling to their power within the health care arena, reluctant to interact with other health workers, and the public, as equal partners. Because we believe it unlikely that traditional medical organizations will change these attitudes, we formed the Medical Reform Group in 1979, not as an alternative to existing bodies but as a voice for socially concerned physicians. We are, by constitution, independent of any political party or organization, and similarly, independent of any other professional organizations. The Medical Reform Group is a democratic organization dedicated to the following principles Principles Health care is a right. The universal access of every person to high quality, appropriate health care must be guaranteed.
Health is political and social in nature.
Health care workers, including physicians, should seek out and recognize the social, economic, occupational, and environmental causes of disease, and be directly involved in their eradication. The institutions of the health system must be changed. The health care system should be structured in a manner in which the equally valuable contribution of all health care workers is recognized. Both the public and health care workers should have a direct say in resource allocation and in determining the setting in which health care is provided. We advocate for more rational pharmaceutical prescribing practices, both in Canada and internationally We call for restrictions on drug company advertising and detailing practices and oppose the involvement of drug company representatives in educational events for medical students and residents.