1. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
Code of Ethics in Pharmacy Profession
Shristi Wagle
B.Pharm., Sixth Semester
School of Health and Allied Sciences
Pokhara University, Pokhara - 30, Kaski, Nepal.
2. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
OVERVIEW
➢Introduction
➢Aim of the study
➢Materials and Methods
➢Results
➢Conclusion
➢References
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3. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
Š
Why Regulate Healthcare?
• Š
Laws exist because a purely market-driven system fails
to protect the public health, safety, and welfare.
• Incentive to maximize profit can compromise and
conflict with the best interest of patients/customers.
• The “race to the bottom”
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4. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
Why have a Code of Ethics?
“The code is to protect each professional from certain
pressures (for example, the pressure to cut corners to save
money) by making it reasonably likely...that most other
members of the profession will not take advantage of her
good conduct. A code protects members of a profession
from certain consequences of competition. A code is a
solution to a coordination problem.”
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5. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
Ethics is moral principles that govern a person’s
behavior or the conducting of an activity. It provides
the conscience to take decision about right and wrong.
Profession is a paid occupation(unique service to the
society) especially one that involves prolonged training
and a formal qualification. It is said that
Professional Ethics is the moral values associated with
a particular profession.
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6. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
PREAMBLE
Phbarmacists are health professionals who assist
individuals in making the best use of medications.
This Code, prepared and supported by pharmacists, is
intended to state publicly the principles that form the
fundamental basis of the roles and responsibilities of
pharmacists. These principles, based on moral
obligations and virtues, are established to guide
pharmacists in relationships with patients, health
professionals, and society.
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8. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
Code of Ethics for Pharmacists of American Pharmacists
Association can be taken as an example.
It covers the following points.
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9. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
I. A pharmacist respects the covenantal
relationship between the patient and
pharmacist.
Considering the patient-pharmacist relationship as a
covenant means that a pharmacist has moral obligations
in response to the gift of trust received from society. In
return for this gift, a pharmacist promises to help
individuals achieve optimum benefit from their
medications, to be committed to their welfare, and to
maintain their trust.
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10. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
A pharmacist places concern for the well-
being of the patient at the center of
professional practice. In doing so, a
pharmacist considers needs stated by the
patient as well as those defined by health
science.
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II. A pharmacist promotes the good
of every patient in a caring,
compassionate, and confidential
manner.
11. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
A pharmacist is dedicated to protecting the dignity of the
patient. With a caring attitude and a compassionate spirit, a
pharmacist focuses on serving the patient in a private and
confidential manner.
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12. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
A pharmacist promotes the right of self-
determination and recognizes individual self-worth by
encouraging patients to participate in decisions about
their health. A pharmacist communicates with
patients in terms that are understandable. In all
cases, a pharmacist respects personal and cultural
differences among patients.
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III. A pharmacist respects the autonomy
and dignity of each patient.
13. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
A pharmacist has a duty to tell the truth and to act with
conviction of conscience. A pharmacist avoids
discriminatory practices, behavior or work conditions
that impair professional judgment, and actions that
compromise dedication to the best interests of
patients.
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IV. A pharmacist acts with honesty and
integrity in professional relationships.
14. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
➢ A pharmacist has a duty to maintain knowledge and
abilities as new medications, devices, and
technologies become available and as health
information advances.
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V. A pharmacist maintains
professional competence.
15. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
➢ When appropriate, a pharmacist asks for the
consultation of colleagues or other health
professionals or refers the patient. A pharmacist
acknowledges that colleagues and other health
professionals may differ in the beliefs and values
they apply to the care of the patient.
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VI. A pharmacist respects the values
and abilities of colleagues and other
health professionals.
16. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
The primary obligation of a pharmacist is to
individual patients. However, the obligations of a
pharmacist may at times extend beyond the
individual to the community and society. In these
situations, the pharmacist recognizes the
responsibilities that accompany these obligations
and acts accordingly.
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VII. A pharmacist serves individual,
community, and societal needs.
17. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
VIII. A pharmacist seeks justice in the
distribution of health resources.
When health resources are allocated, a pharmacist
is fair and equitable, balancing the needs of patients
and society.
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18. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
APhA Conscience Clause
Pharmacist Conscience Clause
➢ APhA recognizes the individual pharmacist’s right
to exercise conscientious refusal and supports the
establishment of systems to ensure patient’s access
to legally prescribed therapy without compromising
the pharmacist’s right of conscientious refusal.
➢ APhA shall appoint a council on an as needed basis
to serve as a resource for the profession in
addressing and understanding ethical issues.
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19. Pokhara University
School of Health and Allied Sciences
1. Viswanathana, G., Danb, M.V., Radhakrishnanc, N.,
Naira, S.A., Babya, S. (2019). Protection of Mouse
Brain from Paracetamol-induced Stress by Centella
asiatica Methanol Extract. Journal of
Ethnopharmacology, 236, 474-483.
REFERENCES
