Problems of Modern Medicine Under the Influence of Capitalism

In recent years, food and pharmaceutical companies have grown enormously, exerting significant influence not only on production and marketing but also on scientific journals and medical guidelines. This situation is unknowingly posing a grave threat to our health. In this system, known as "patent medicine," companies invest only in patentable synthetic drugs and hormones, while natural, bioequivalent substances are ignored. Because profits cannot be made from natural products.

International meetings, scientific journals, and even institutions like the FDA can be influenced by these companies. In this practice, known as the "revolving door system," company executives take positions in government institutions and then return to the same companies. As a result of these interactions, treatment limits in drug guidelines are altered, and millions of people begin using unnecessary medications.

Physicians, however, struggle to recognize these manipulations due to their intense workload and systemic pressure. Most academics are either in consulting relationships with pharmaceutical companies or dependent on them for access to research funding. However, scientific truth is not measured solely by large-budget randomized controlled trials (RCTs). The high cost of these studies makes researching natural and bioequivalent products nearly impossible.

However, bioequivalent hormones (such as topical estradiol and progesterone), which are most compatible with human physiology, have shown much safer and more effective results in small-scale, independent studies. However, because they cannot be patented, they cannot find support.

The real solution lies in an independent and national scientific policy. An Institute for Preventive Medicine and Functional Medicine should be established, and independent research should be supported with a designated portion of the state budget. Laboratories where academics can work freely should be established within ethical guidelines, and scientific production should be encouraged.

Otherwise, we will remain stuck in a medical system guided by corporate-funded studies and prescribing without question.

Real science thrives when it is independently funded and prioritizes human health over profit.