On her Commissioner's Page online, FDA's Dr. Hamburg says she wants to "give the public access to safe and effective medical products," adding that "A strong FDA is an agency that the American public can count on."
If that's so, why did the agency she heads spy on, harass and dismiss scientists who were trying to protect women, in particular, from faulty breast cancer and other screening devices?
Problems found with these devices include missing signs of breast cancer, falsely diagnosing osteoporosis, malfunction while monitoring women in labor and use of heavy doses of radiation in colon screenings.
According to a Washington Post report, one scientist who had reviewed these devices until 2010 when he was dismissed, is outraged by the "nerve" of FDA for monitoring his communications with Congress over safety issues. "'How dare they?'"
Tell FDA to Clean up its Act. Stop Punishing Scientists Who Try to Protect the Public
We, the undersigned, are outraged, though not surprised, to learn FDA has been spying on, harassing and dismissing its own scientists who try to protect the public.
This has been documented to have happened before over drug approval issues (regarding Halcion and Prozac, to name two examples).
We are further outraged that FDA's failure to heed scientists' warnings and protect the public from these faulty devices will disproportionately affect women.
Not only are FDA's corrupt activities illegal and unethical, they are also discriminatory.
We expect you to live up to the words you profess as your mission, found on your official webpage: "Strengthening FDA's programs and policies will help us protect the safety of the food supply, give the public access to safe and effective medical products, find novel ways to prevent illness and promote health, and be transparent in explaining our decision-making."
You were appointed in 2009. Just when were you planning to get around to this?
We request that you end this corruption at your agency or resign. Restore the honest scientists to their positions with back pay and advancement, and remove all those who do not support the mission you profess, including yourself.
Thank you for your attention to this vital matter.
