Code of Ethics for Pharmacists 2018

Introduction

In a recent conversation with the owner of a traditional medicine shop, he pointed out that nowadays, people tend to focus more on profits rather than ethical values.

• Many people on social media are promoting the sale of health supplements to generate passive income, but the main concern is whether the high price of these supplements justifies their purchase.

No doubt, there are bills to pay and we are all working to earn a living.

• However, there is more to life.

Code of Ethics

Ethics or moral philosophy is a branch of philosophy that involves systematizing, defending, and recommending concepts of right and wrong behaviour.

Generally, code of ethics for pharmacists are similar across countries, with emphasis on:

• Patient as the first priority
• Exercises professional judgement
• Acts with honesty and integrity
• Continuous professional development

However, there is never a definite definition of the ideal pharmacist.

• Each and every one of us may have different strengths, weaknesses and approaches to problem solving.
• We are individually unique.

Malaysia

Code of Ethics for Pharmacists 2018 has embodied minimum standards of proper conduct and professionalism for guidance of pharmacists in Malaysia. Effective 1 January 2020, it is examinable in Qualifying Examination To Practice Pharmacy and also serves as a reference in the investigation of pharmacists misconduct cases by the Pharmacy Board Malaysia.

NOTE: Once, someone told me, the 7 principles in Code of Ethics For Pharmacists 2018 are very fairly similar to Code of Ethics for Pharmacists and Pharmacy Technician 2007 in UK.

United States

In United States, the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists, adopted by American Pharmacists Association since 27 October 1994, publicly states the principles that form the fundamental basis of the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists.

United Kingdom

Similarly, The Pharmacy Order 2010 gives the power to General Pharmaceutical Council to set standards for pharmacy professionals and registered pharmacies.

• Standards for Pharmacy Professionals
• Standards for Registered Pharmacies
• Standards for the Initial Education and Training for Pharmacies
• Standards for the Initial Education and Training for Pharmacy Technicians

NOTE: General Pharmaceutical Council consists of 14 members equally split between registrant members (pharmacists or pharmacy technicians) and lay members (people who have never been registered as healthcare professionals). This allows the Council to reflect the diversity of the profession and the wider public and to bring in knowledge and experience from both inside and outside pharmacy.

Australia

The Pharmaceutical Society of Australia's Code of Ethics articulates the values of the pharmacy profession and expected standards of ethical behaviour of pharmacists towards individuals, the community and society. There are 7 statements of principle in the code and these have been aligned with ethical values of Care, Integrity and Competency.