Medical–industrial complex

The medical–industrial complex (MIC) refers to a network of interactions between pharmaceutical corporations, health care personnel, and medical conglomerates to supply health care-related products and services for a profit.^[1][2] The term is derived from the idea of the military–industrial complex.^[3]

Following the MIC's conception in 1970, the term has undergone an evolution by critical theory scholars throughout the early 21st century—including the fields of disability studies, Black studies, feminism, and queer studies—to describe forces of oppression against marginalized communities as they exist in the healthcare field.^[4][5][6][7] Prior to the conception of the "medical-industrial complex" term, themes related to the MIC were discussed in earlier American society, as shown through the work and philosophies of Rana A. Hogarth and Francis Galton.^[8][9]

The medical–industrial complex is often discussed in the context of conflict of interest in the health care industry and is often regarded as a result of modernized healthcare and capitalism.^[10] Discussions regarding the medical-industrial complex often concern the United States healthcare system,^[3] and propose that pharmaceutical and healthcare companies, including for-profit chain hospitals, may influence physicians' decisions through financial incentives.^[11][1] Physicians may also face constraints from corporate regulations and potential conflicts of interest related to investments in medical device companies.^[12][13][14] Although some large medical journals have been criticized for potentially biased publications, efforts have been made to maintain neutrality in medical literature.^[15][1] Continuing medical education programs funded by pharmaceutical companies may also influence physician preferences.^[16] Finally, patients may be affected by the MIC through the promotion of cosmetic surgery, drug price inflation, and physician bias.^[11][1] The Food and Drug Administration has implemented laws to protect patients against the potential negative impacts of the medical-industrial complex in the United States.^[17][18] These perspectives on the medical-industrial complex also apply to countries outside the United States, such as India and Brazil.^{[19][20][21][22]}

Drawing from diverse theoretical frameworks and the collective efforts of historically marginalized communities, critics have proposed alternatives to the medical-industrial complex that aim to reimagine health as a holistic concept, challenge the medicalization of sickness, and integrate lived experiences into healthcare settings.^{[23][8][24][25][26][27][28][29]}