STATEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS: CODE OF ETHICS FOR PHARMACISTS

Fédération Internationale Pharmaceutique (FIP)

1988, revised 1997

•••
In 1988, the Fédération Internationale Pharmaceutique adopted sixteen guidelines for ethical behavior
by pharmacists. The guidelines, which are deliberately broad so that nations may adapt them in creating
their own ethics codes, mention several topics of particular note: (1) the independence of the
profession, extending to the refusal to dispense medications, including prescriptions, if it serves the
patient's health; (2) the role of pharmacists as health educators; and (3) respect for the freedom of
choice of patients. A more recent statement was adopted by the Council of the International
Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) at its Council meeting in Vancouver on 5th September 1997.

<http://www.fip.org/pdf/codeeth.pdf>

Introduction:

A profession is identified by the willingness of individual practitioners to comply with ethical and
professional standards which exceed minimum legal requirements.

Pharmacists are health professionals who help people to maintain good health, to avoid ill
health and, where appropriate, to acquire and make the best use of their medicines. The role of the
pharmacist has changed significantly in the last twenty years. Whilst the fundamental ethical principles
remain essentially the same, this Code of Ethics has been redrafted to reaffirm and state publicly the
principles that form the basis of the roles and responsibilities of pharmacists. These principles, based on
moral obligations and values, are established to enable national pharmaceutical organizations through
their Codes of Ethics to guide pharmacists in their relationships with patients, other health
professionals, and society generally.

Pharmacists seek to act with fairness and equity in the allocation of health resources available to
them.

Principles:

In the practice of their profession:

1. The pharmacist's prime responsibility is the good of the individual.

Obligations:
–to be objective,
–to put the good of the individual before personal or commercial interests (including financial
interest),
–to promote the individual's right of access to safe and effective treatment.
2. The pharmacist shows the same dedication to all.

Obligations:
–to show respect for life and human dignity,
–to not discriminate between people,
–to strive to treat and inform each individual according to personal circumstances.

3. The pharmacist respects the individual's right to freedom of choice of treatment.

Obligation:
–to ensure that where the pharmacist is involved in developing care and treatment plans, this is
done in consultation with the individual.

4. The pharmacist respects and safeguards the individual's right to confidentiality.

Obligation:
–to not disseminate information, which identifies the individual, without informed consent or
due cause.
5. The pharmacist cooperates with colleagues and other professionals and respects their values and
abilities.

Obligation:
–to cooperate with colleagues, and other professionals and agencies in efforts to promote good
health and treat and prevent ill health.

6. The pharmacist acts with honesty and integrity in professional relationships.

Obligations:
–to act with conviction of conscience,
–to avoid practices, behaviour or work conditions that could impair professional judgement.

7. The pharmacist serves the needs of the individual, the community and society.

Obligation:
–to recognise the responsibilities associated with serving the needs of the individual on the one
hand and society at large on the other.

8. The pharmacist maintains and develops professional knowledge and skills.

Obligation:
–to ensure competency in each pharmaceutical service provided, by continually updating
knowledge and skills.

9. The pharmacist ensures continuity of care in the event of labour disputes, pharmacy closure or
conflict with personal moral beliefs.

Obligation:
 –to refer the patient to another pharmacist.
–to ensure that when a pharmacy closes, the patients are informed of the pharmacy to which
their records, if held, have been transferred.

CODE OF ETHICS FOR PHARMACISTS

Philippine Pharmacists Association (PPhA)

PREAMBLE

Pharmacists are health professionals who help individuals protect themselves against diseases,
maintain good health and make the best use of their medications. The pharmacists promote rational use
of drugs and ensure the provision of safe, effective and quality drugs for improved patient care and
quality of life. This Code, prepared and supported by pharmacists, is intended to state publicly the
principles that form the fundamental basis of their roles and responsibilities which are based on moral
obligations and virtues and to guide pharmacists in their relationship with patients, health professionals
and society.

1. A pharmacist places the well-being of the patient at the center of professional practice.
2. A pharmacist promotes the welfare of each individual in a caring and compassionate
manner.
3. A pharmacist serves the needs of the individual, community and society and provides health
for all.
4. A pharmacist respects the rights of patients and upholds confidentiality of patients’ records.
5. A pharmacist acts with honesty, integrity and professionalism in relationship with the
patients and other health professionals.
6. A pharmacist respects the abilities, values and contributions of colleagues and other health
professionals and work with them closely to ensure better patient care.
7. A pharmacist is committed to continuously enhance professional competence.
8. A pharmacist, in coordination with the government and other health professionals helps in
the formulation and implementation of health care policies, standards and programs
designed for the benefit of society.