Over half the public has favourable opinion about pharmaceutical industry, says Ipsos survey for IPHA
Over half the public has favourable opinion about pharmaceutical industry, says Ipsos survey for IPHA
Latest research shows public values science and the industry’s local societal and economic contribution
More than half of people have a favourable opinion about pharmaceutical companies operating in Ireland, according to new research from Ipsos for the Irish Pharmaceutical Healthcare Association (IPHA), the representative organisation for medicines innovators.
The industry’s public favourability score, at 53%, is up from 44% since a similar poll was conducted in September 2018. When Ipsos measured sentiment towards the industry in June 2020 and in September 2021, the scores were 50% and 54%, respectively.
Three in five people, or 60%, trust the industry in Ireland, almost twice the global average measured by an Ipsos survey of people across 29 countries.
More than four in five people, or 83%, believe that the industry makes an important societal and economic contribution. That figure is up slightly from 81% in 2018. Over half of people, or 55%, believe the industry focuses on what patients need.
Almost nine in 10 people, or 89%, believe in the value of science in tackling unmet medical needs. More than four in five people, or 83%, believe the past five years has brought significant progress in the development of new medicines. About the same number recognise the link between medicines and better health outcomes.
Bernard Mallee, IPHA’s Director of Communications and Advocacy, said the survey shows the industry has high levels of public trust.
“The public values science and the industry’s societal and economic impact. That innovator companies are spread across the regions, creating jobs and economic activity, is likely to strengthen that perspective. It is clear, too, that there is an appreciation of the positive health and quality of life impact of medicines. That the industry’s favourability rating has improved since before the pandemic may reflect heightened public awareness of science in tackling disease. With medicines innovation moving at pace, Ireland should be ready to take advantage of the jobs and health outcomes bonus that comes with the industry. That takes planning between industry, the State and wider stakeholders. We look forward to continuing that trend,” said Mr Mallee.
The next phase of Innovate For Life, the industry’s documentary campaign that tells the story of innovation in medicines, will be released in the coming weeks.
About the survey
Ipsos conducted 1,004 telephone interviews with adults aged over 18 between April 29th and May 14th, 2022. The sample was nationally representative for age, gender, geography and social class.
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