British Indian cardiologist Aseem Malhotra has unveiled his provocative documentary, “First! Do No Pharm,” in London’s Leicester Square, aiming to highlight the pharmaceutical industry’s profit-driven approach to healthcare. The film features testimonies from prominent medical experts globally and seeks to expose unethical practices and fraud within the industry that contribute to a pervasive cycle of corruption.
The premiere, held on Monday evening, was introduced by British-Indian filmmaker Gurinder Chadha, who commended Malhotra for his unwavering commitment to the Hippocratic Oath. “Aseem is a very old friend of mine, and I have witnessed his courageous journey confronting corruption and malpractice,” said Chadha. She emphasized that Malhotra’s mission is vital for the health of millions seeking the truth about healthcare.
Malhotra, known for his previous campaigns against the overuse of statins and high sugar consumption, expressed that this film represents his most incendiary work yet. “It will upset many profit-driven individuals in the pharmaceutical industry, but ultimately it aims to save lives,” he stated. He further highlighted a “pandemic of misinformed doctors and patients,” calling for an end to this crisis.
Directed by Donal O’Neill, the documentary employs personal storytelling and includes interviews with key figures such as Professor Jay Bhattacharya and environmental activist Vandana Shiva. Dr. Fiona Godlee, former editor-in-chief of the British Medical Journal, pointed out the conflicts of interest that plague medical literature, noting that pharmaceutical companies often pay large sums for reprints of studies.
Sir Richard Thompson, former president of the Royal College of Physicians, has called for a public inquiry into the “murky practices” of big pharma to ensure that doctors prioritize patient welfare over corporate profits. He criticized the lack of transparency in drug efficacy data, which often leads to exaggerated claims about medications like statins.
The film concludes with a visit to Mount Abu in Rajasthan, where cardiologist Dr. Satish Gupta discusses lifestyle modifications for reversing heart damage and promotes the benefits of yoga.
“First! Do No Pharm” is now available online and will feature exclusive screenings across the US and India in the coming months.
