Public Citizen Health Research Group

IN 1971, CONSUMER advocate Ralph Nader founded Public Citizen, a national nonprofit group designed to protect democracy and to keep consumer health, safety, and financial interests before Congress, the executive branch, and the courts. The Health Research Group (PCHRG) was established as a branch of Public Citizen to promote “researchbased, system-wide changes in health care policy” and to provide “oversight concerning drugs, medical devices, doctors and hospitals and occupational health.” In practice, PCHRG's efforts to protect the public involve making sure that government, the health profession, drug and device manufacturers, and employers remain aware of threats to human health. In addition, PCHRG vigorously pursues any necessary changes on health-related activities, including calling for investigations and criminal charges whenever harmful or illegal practices are suspected. In ...