ETHICS IN PHARMACY

Ms. RIFFAT
 Objectives
Know about Ethics
Identify the professional characteristics
Differentiate between Macro ethical issues
versus Micro ethical situations
Discuss the Professional Ethics and Law
Know about Code of Ethics
Discuss the principles of “2007- Code of
Ethics”
Know Pharmacist’s Oath

2
 Introduction
According to Socrates,
“It is science, governed by principles of
universal validity, so that what was good
for one was good for all, and what was my
neibhour’s duty was my duty also.”

3
 Professional Characteristics
Possession of specialized body of
knowledge
Specific attitudes that influence
professional behavior
Social sanction

4
 Contd.
Difference between occupation and
profession……..?
Lack of autonomy
Difference in professional compensation
methodology

5
Macro ethical issues versus Micro
ethical situations
Macro ethical issues: address for all
pharmacists and society

Micro ethical situations: address to an

individual pharmacist during the course of
their daily practice

6
 Professional Ethics and Law

Rules of law: Law is enforced by

state/gov.

Rules of ethics: are only moral bindings /

obligation

7
 Contd.
Moral obligations are also recognized by
the state through Common law, which
cover certain duties.
Breach of these duties results in “action”
through civil law courts to seek
compensation for a “civil wrong”

8
 Code of Ethics
First code of ethics was presented by
Hippocrates in the 4th century BC.
The amended from of 1st
written code of ethics was
published in the
Pharmaceutical Journal
(17 June 1944)

9
 The 2007 Code of Ethics
Most recent code of ethics (the 2007 code)
is applicable for pharmacist and pharmacy
technicians since August 2007.
It comprises seven principles with equal
status and importance.
They are intended to apply to all areas of
professional pharmacy practice and to
general conduct expected of pharmacists
in ordinary life.
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 Principles of 2007 Code of Ethics

1. Make the care of patients your first

concern
2. Exercise your professional judgment in
the interest of patients and the public
3. Show respect for others
4. Encourage patients to participate in
decision about their care

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 Contd.
5. Develop your professional knowledge
and competence
6. Be honest and trustworthy
7. Take responsibility for your working
practices

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 Code Of Ethics (APA)
Remington pp: 21

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 Oath of a Pharmacist
At this time, I vow to devote my
professional life to the service of all
humankind through the profession of
pharmacy. I will consider the welfare of
humanity and relief of human suffering my
primary concerns. I will apply my
knowledge, experience, and skills to the
best of my ability to assure optimal drug
therapy outcomes for the patients I serve.
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 Contd.
I will do my best to keep abreast of
developments and maintain professional
competency in my profession of
pharmacy. I will maintain the highest
principles of moral, ethical, and legal
conduct. I will embrace and advocate
change in the pharmacy profession that
improves patient care. I take these vows
voluntarily with the full realization of the
responsibility with which I am entrusted by
the public. 15
Do you have any Q..?

THANK YOU

16
 Refrence

• REMINGTON: THE SCIENCE AND

PRACTICE OF PHARMACY, 21st ed,.
pp:20-28.

• Dale & Appelbe’s Pharmacy Law & Ethics,

9th ed., Gordon E Appelb & joy Winfield,
pp: 331-334.
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