The Ethisphere Institute claims Pfizer was recognised for its commitment to ethical business practices, integrity, and compliance, but critics argue that the selection process lacks credibility since companies can nominate themselves and even pay to be considered.
Pfizer has faced multiple scandals over the years, including a $2.3 billion settlement in 2009 for the largest healthcare fraud case in US history after illegally promoting the painkiller Bextra for unapproved uses.
The company has also been accused of bribing doctors and officials in various countries, leading to a $60 million settlement in 2016. In Nigeria, Pfizer conducted an unauthorised drug trial on children during a meningitis outbreak in 1996, leading to deaths and severe disabilities, later settling with Nigerian authorities for $75 million.
More recently, Pfizer has been criticised for its handling of Covid-19 “vaccine” data, with claims that the company withheld key safety information and rolled out yearly booster shots without human testing.
Some argue that Pfizer’s recognition as an ethical company is nothing more than a public relations move. Critics point out that the Ethisphere Institute’s process is not truly independent and functions as a paid-for endorsement rather than a genuine evaluation of corporate ethics.
This article was originally published by the Daily Telegraph New Zealand.
