Wednesday 13 June 2012

French Silicone Implant Scandal


This is the text of a speech I gave in the European Parliament, Strasbourg on 13th June


This issue stems from the failure of the French authorities to regulate its manufacturing industry. Typically France has a take it or leave it approach to regulations that it expects other countries to adopt.

In June 2000, American medical regulators posted a warning letter on the Internet about problems at a breast-implant maker in southern France; French authorities didn't pay much attention.

French health authorities acknowledged as much in a 175-page report on Feb. 1 this year.

"Radical change" is needed in Europe to assure proper surveillance of medical devices.  

France has shown itself to incapable of regulating itself and should have external checks.

Many thousands of women have and are continuing to suffer because of French negligence.

France should be made to compensate all affected women of this negligence.

In future, there needs to be more communication with the surgeons, the clinics and with the patients.

These companies must be checked and the findings should be open to inspection by health professionals.

View the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJlzJsXI3uk&feature=youtu.be