Technically I don't think it's unique to the US. In Denmark doctors get a fee per consultation. It's pay with tax money, but still the doctor is financially motivated to see patients. It might only apply to general practitioner though, I think hospital doctors are on a fixed salary.
One issue, that could excuse medical companies going directly to the patients would be a lack of knowledge among doctors. Doctors contently write prescriptions for medication that's no longer available and is often not as updated as a pharmacy on new medication. This means that at least some doctors aren't suggesting the best treatment, simply because they aren't aware of it.
The doctor can also put a generic name of the drug on the prescription and patient can tell the pharmacy to sell them a particular brand instead of a generic. So there is space where such direct advertising could work.
A financial incentive to treat? No, that's pretty common across healthcare systems. It's being worked on as system move away from fee-for-service, but generally, the more a physician does, the more they make.
I don't think it's fair to put Ireland in the same category as the USA here:
1. Zero ads for prescription medication anywhere
2. Medical card for everyone on low income covering everything
3. Never pay more than EUR114/month for prescriptions, no matter how much you medication you need or your income.
I've never had doctors pushing any kind of medication on me or my family.
I was curious about another HN poster from Ireland so I looked at your other comments and you're defending RTÉ so it's safe to say we won't see eye to eye.
You're a glass half full type of person, to put it in polite terms.
I could rant all day about media and health in Ireland. Specially from a migrant perspective but it's not really the place.
What is undeniable is that Ireland ranks amongst the worst in Europe and it's very much for profit. It's just Irish people don't know any better and they look at the wrong place (USA) and only at the money aspect, not the quality.
Quality wise, I'd much rather be in USA than Ireland because treatment here is terrible in many cases and there's always a sea of excuses and bureocracy.
One issue, that could excuse medical companies going directly to the patients would be a lack of knowledge among doctors. Doctors contently write prescriptions for medication that's no longer available and is often not as updated as a pharmacy on new medication. This means that at least some doctors aren't suggesting the best treatment, simply because they aren't aware of it.