The word ethics refers to moral principles and the rules that guide good professional conduct. In pharmacy, the Code of Ethics is a set of well-established principles that guide pharmacists in their professional duties. Unlike laws, which are enforced by the government, ethics are enforced by the profession itself. When a law is broken, punishment may be jail or fines; when ethics are broken, a pharmacist may lose professional privileges.
The purpose of the Code of Ethics is to maintain the dignity of the profession, protect patients, and ensure responsible pharmacy practice. Pharmacy is a noble profession because pharmacists handle medicines, poisons, and potent drugs that directly affect human life.
Pharmaceutical Code of Ethics
A pharmacist must maintain high professional standards while dealing with medicines and people. Pharmacists shoulder the responsibility of safeguarding public health, and therefore must always behave responsibly, honestly and respectfully.
The government allows only qualified pharmacists to dispense medicines. In return, pharmacists must fulfill their duties with sincerity and uphold the well-being of society. Every pharmacist should avoid any action that damages the reputation of the profession.
Ethics of Pharmacist in Relation to His Job
1. Scope of Pharmaceutical Services
- A registered pharmacy must provide complete and reliable pharmaceutical services.
- Emergency supplies should be provided whenever necessary.
2. Conduct of the Pharmacy
- The pharmacy environment should prevent contamination or errors.
- The appearance of the pharmacy should reflect professionalism.
- Signboards, notices and labels should be decent and not misleading.
- A qualified pharmacist must be physically present and in control of operations.
3. Handling of Prescriptions
- Prescriptions must be received without unnecessary comments or expressions that could alarm patients.
- Questions should be answered politely without revealing confidential information.
- Pharmacists cannot change, add or remove ingredients without prescriber approval, except for minor technical adjustments.
- In case of errors or incompatibilities, the prescription must be referred back to the doctor.
- Refills must follow the prescriber’s instructions strictly.
4. Handling of Drugs
- All ingredients must be weighed and measured accurately; guesswork must be avoided.
- Only standard-quality drugs should be dispensed; substandard or unethical products must never be used.
- Pharmacists must avoid selling drugs that may be misused for addiction or abuse.
5. Apprentice Pharmacist
- Pharmacists must properly train apprentices to ensure they gain adequate skills.
- No certificate should be issued unless the trainee is fully competent.
Pharmacist in Relation to His Trade
1. Price Structure
Medicine prices should be fair, reflecting quality, quantity, and professional skill, without overcharging patients.
2. Fair Trade Practice
- No unhealthy competition such as gifts, prizes or false price reduction.
- If a prescription meant for another pharmacy is received by mistake, direct the patient to the correct place.
- Copying labels, trademarks or symbols of other pharmacies is unethical.
3. Purchase of Drugs
Drugs must be purchased only from genuine, reputable sources. Pharmacists must never aid the sale of spurious or substituted medicines.
4. Hawking of Drugs
- Door-to-door selling of medicines should not be encouraged.
- Self-service systems should be avoided, as they increase the risk of unsupervised self-medication.
5. Advertising and Displays
Advertisements must not:
- Be misleading, exaggerated or undignified
- Guarantee cures or play on fear
- Use words like “cure,” “guarantee,” or “refund”
- Imitate medical professionals or hospitals
- Refer to sexual problems or sensitive issues in an improper way
No pharmacy should display or sell products advertised in unethical ways.
Pharmacist in Relation to the Medical Profession
1. Limitation of Professional Activity
- Pharmacists must not diagnose diseases or prescribe medicines.
- First aid may be given in emergencies.
- Pharmacists should not recommend a specific doctor unless asked.
2. Clandestine Arrangements
Pharmacists must not enter into secret agreements or give commissions to doctors for referrals. Such practices damage the profession’s integrity.
3. Liaison with the Public
- Pharmacists should stay updated with modern science to advise physicians properly.
- They should educate the public about hygiene, sanitation and proper medicine use.
- Confidential patient information must never be disclosed except when required by law.
Pharmacist in Relation to His Profession
1. Professional Vigilance
- Pharmacists must help enforce pharmacy laws and report unethical practices.
- While supporting fellow pharmacists, they must also ensure wrongdoers are removed from the profession.
2. Law-Abiding Citizen
A pharmacist must be well-versed in laws related to drugs, food, health and sanitation, and follow them sincerely.
3. Relationship with Professional Organizations
Pharmacists should join professional bodies that promote scientific, cultural and ethical improvement of the profession.
4. Decorum and Propriety
Pharmacists must avoid any action that harms the profession’s dignity or trust.
Pharmacist’s Oath
The Pharmacist’s Oath represents a commitment to uphold ethics, safeguard patient confidentiality, advance public health, and maintain professional integrity.
The oath emphasizes:
- Service to community
- Respect for laws and standards
- Continuous learning
- Ethical pharmaceutical care
- Protection of patient confidentiality
- Contribution to professional organizations
Detailed Notes:
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