THE chairwoman of BUPA Ireland was criticised yesterday for having a "dual" role in the health insurance industry and the tobacco industry. The BUPA Ireland chairwoman, Dr Margaret Downes, is also chairwoman of the Gallaher Group tobacco firm, the IMO conference heard.
A motion put before the conference stated that it was "inappropriate for any person working in the health sector, including the health insurance industry, to assist or profit from the tobacco industry, and calls for any such persons to sever all links with the tobacco industry immediately". The motion was noted.
Dr Fenton Howell, chairman of the IMO's public health committee, said Dr Downes had already been identified in reports as holding the two positions. A "conflict of interest" existed, he said.
"Tobacco is addictive and causes cancer," he said, adding that there was a very strong conflict in representing a company that profits from products that cause cancer and also a company that profits from the treatment of those illnesses.
Dr Cormac Macnamara, a former IMO president, said Dr Downes was a manager of international repute and was entitled to choose whatever directorship she wished.