I stood mesmerized as nearly 7,000 international psychiatrists herded through the streets of Florence, Italy, each toting a red canvas briefcase stamped boldly with the logo of one of the world’s most profitable pharmaceutical companies. Hesitantly, I merged with the pack, joining this vast swathe of red en route to this year’s World Psychiatric Association Congress.
Once inside the convention centre, I too was presented with my own ‘souvenir bag’, overflowing with industry-sponsored gifts and invitations to pamper and indulge under the guise of ‘education’.
