Vioxx recall similar to Bhopal tragedy

It is ironical how 20 years after the Bhopal tragedy, the behavior of corporations has not changed much. While capitalism and free markets are noble goals, but not if these goals are achieved at the cost of human lives. When the Bhopal tragedy happened in a third-world country (that was also struggling with the assassination of its prime minister at that time), in a world without Internet and 24-hour news, the news was largely ignored in the United States. After all, it did not happen to us. Now that over 100,000 people have been killed by Vioxx, and many more who have suffered other serious side effects, we can now appreciate what it means when profits take precedence over human life.

Let us also look at other similarities in the behavior of Union Carbide and Merck. At that time, Union Carbide executives pleaded not guilty and refused to take responsibility for their actions, or lack thereof. After the company dragged its feet for years, the case was settled, but news reports indicate that the victims never really got much and some are still waiting for compensation. The former chairman of Union Carbide was never tried since he could not be extradited to India. Merck's behavior after recall of Vioxx definitely seems so similar.

How can we better handle tragic cases of victims of Vioxx recall?

1. It would be nice to see Merck take more responsibility for its lack of respect for human life.
2. We also will appreciate if the US administration does not create any barriers for prosecution of anyone who may be responsible for committing crimes, whether at Merck or at the FDA.
3. Vioxx victims will not be helped much if the compensation is not provided to them as soon as possible. If they have to wait 20 years like the Bhopal victims, irreparable damage will be caused to their health.

Recommended article: Merck's Vioxx recall liability could be $38 billion