CODE OF ETHICS FOR PHARMACISTS

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 wellbeing 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.
 CODE OF ETHICS OF FEDERATION OF INTERNATIONALE
PHARMACEUTIQUE

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
organisations 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.
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.
 OATH OF A PHARMACIST

I promise to devote myself to a lifetime of service to others through the profession of pharmacy. In
fulfilling this vow

I will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering my primary concerns

I will apply my knowledge, experience, and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal
outcomes for my patients

I will respect and protect all personal and health information entrusted to me

I will accept the lifelong obligation to improve my professional knowledge and competence

I will hold myself and my colleagues to the highest principles of our profession’s moral, ethical and
legal conduct

I will embrace and advocate changes that improve patient care

I will utilize my knowledge, skills, experiences, and values to prepare the next generation of
pharmacists

I take these vows voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility with which I am entrusted
by the public.”