The profession of pharmacy is noble in its ideals and pious in its character. Apart from being a career for earning a livelihood, it has inherent in it the attitude of service and sacrifice in the interests of the suffering humanity. In handling, selling, distributing, compounding, and dispensing medical substances including; poisons and potent drugs a pharmacist is, in collaboration with medical men and others, charged with the onerous responsibility of safeguarding the health of people. As such, he has to uphold the interests of his patrons above all things. The lofty ideals set up by Charaka, the ancient Philosopher Physician, and Pharmacist in his expression: “Even if your own life be in danger you should not betray or neglect the interests of your patients” should be fondly cherished by all Pharmacists.
The government restricts the practice of Pharmacy to
those who qualify under regulatory requirements and grant them privileges
necessarily denied to others. In return Government expects the Pharmacist to
recognize his responsibilities and to fulfill his professional obligations honorably
and with due regard for the well-being of Society.
Standards of professional conduct for pharmacies are
necessary for the public interest to ensure an efficient pharmaceutical
service. Every pharmacist should not only be willing to play his part in giving
such a service but should also avoid any act or omission which would prejudice
the giving of the services or impair confidence in any respect for pharmacists
as a body.
The nature of pharmaceutical practice is such that its
demands may be beyond the capacity of the individual to carry out or to carry
out as quickly or as efficiently as the needs of the public require. There
should, therefore at all times, be a readiness to assist colleagues with
information or advice.
A Pharmacist must, above all be a good citizen and
must uphold and defend the laws of the state and the Nation.
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.
Pharmacists 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.
1. 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.
2. A pharmacist promotes the good of every
patient in a caring, compassionate, and confidential manner:
A pharmacist places concern for the well-being of the patient at the center of
professional practice. In doing so, a pharmacist considers the needs stated by
the patient as well as those defined by health science. 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 privately
and confidentially.
3. A pharmacist respects the autonomy and
dignity of each patient: 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 understandable terms. In all cases, a pharmacist respects personal
and cultural differences among patients.
4. A pharmacist acts with honesty and
integrity in professional relationships: A pharmacist must tell the truth and 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.
5. A pharmacist maintains professional
competence: A pharmacist must maintain knowledge and
abilities as new medications, devices, and technologies become available and as
health information advances.
6. A pharmacist respects the values and
abilities of colleagues and other health professionals:
When appropriate, a pharmacist asks for the consultation of colleagues or other
health professionals or refers to 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.
7. A pharmacist serves individual,
community, and societal needs: 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.
8. 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.