OBJECTIVES: The pharmaceutical sector, despite its contribution to health improvement, is often criticized over its role in the society. Aim of the present analysis is to investigate the views and perceptions of the Greek population towards the pharmaceutical industry.

METHODS: The study sample (2,003 adults) derived from the “Health and Welfare” survey conducted by the Hellenic National School of Public Health. Data refer to year 2017. Participants were asked to express an overall opinion on the pharmaceutical industry on a scale of 1-10 (1=completely negative, 10=completely positive), opinions on a series of statements for several aspects of its practices on a scale of 1-5 (1=strongly disagree, 5= strongly agree) and assess its contribution to the education of the medical profession and information of the general public on a scale of 1-5 (1=not at all, 5=very much).

RESULTS: The general perspective of the sample towards the pharmaceutical industry gathered a mean score of 5.38 (SD=2.216). The borderline majority of respondents agrees/strongly agrees that the pharmaceutical industry aims towards the development of medicines that add longevity and quality of life (52.2%), that it develops safe and effective pharmaceuticals (54.4%) and that it significantly enhances the labor market and the national economy (66.8%). However, only 30.0% agrees/strongly agrees that it shows social awareness towards the socially vulnerable groups, while 59.9% agrees/strongly agrees that it is mainly profit-oriented and puts the society in a lesser perspective. Lastly, 32.3% thinks that the pharmaceutical industry has an important contribution on the education of doctors and 11.1% on the information of the public.

CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results, the Greek population shows mixed views towards the pharmaceutical industry, as people seem to recognize its health promoting role, while at the same time they express disbelief on its motives and emphasize its lack of a social role.