HIE Library Archive 2000  

We welcome the initiative by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) to allow free access to the full text of all its content online.

This initiative and the forward thinking behind it from the BMJ has enabled many people all over the world to access current research and developments.

This is particularly important for developing countries and countries in Eastern Europe who may find it difficult to pay for the journal otherwise.

This is a window on the world of authoritative medical research created in the best traditions of the Web.  This is a good thing, is it not?

It needs protection and nurturing.

The BMJ wanted to reach all readers.  It attempted to place an advertisement announcing the free access to full text papers.  The advertisement was turned down by three leading journals at any cost!

So, in its attempt to reach the world, the BMJ finds itself at odds with its peers, and perhaps, one might argue that the denial of placing the advertisement amounts to censorship.

Health Informatics Europe believes in the free dissemination of information.   Therefore, we are happy to publish the page that offended so many reputable journals.

Read the full story here

See the advertisement here

Ahmad Risk
Editor