In her book "Gulp: Adventures on the Alimentary Canal," Mary Roach discusses the financial motivations of pharmaceutical companies, suggesting that their profit models are built around managing and treating diseases rather than seeking cures. This perspective raises ethical questions about the prioritization of treatment over potential cures in the healthcare industry.

Roach's insight highlights the complex relationship between healthcare providers, patients, and pharmaceutical companies, where the focus on chronic disease management can lead to ongoing costs for patients. Such a system may prioritize sustained revenue through ongoing treatments rather than the ultimate goal of eradicating diseases, prompting a need for deeper consideration of how health care is structured.