ABPI launches 2021 Code of Practice
The Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) has launched its 2021 Code of Practice to help companies operate to high ethical standards.
The ABPI Code of Practice is the industry’s commitment to operate in a professional, ethical, and transparent manner, for the benefit of patients and the public. It is independently administered by the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA). The updated code came into force on 1 July.
The new Code is arranged in six themed sections:
- Overarching requirements
- Promotion to health professionals and other relevant decision makers
- Interactions with health professionals, other relevant decision makers and healthcare organisations
- Interactions with health professionals, other relevant decision makers, healthcare organisations, patient organisations and the public including patients and journalists
- Specific requirements for interactions with the public, including patients and journalists and patient organisations
- Annual disclosure requirements
Some new elements to the Code in 2021 increase transparency and provide an ethical framework to improve patient care in the NHS.
The ABPI is also putting increased emphasis on the ABPI Principles, which sit alongside the Code. All companies are expected to embed them in their organisations.
“We are proud of our Code which holds companies to standards which go above and beyond the law,” said Richard Torbett, ABPI chief executive. “The 2021 version of the Code has seen a substantial overhaul, and I’m confident that it will help companies keep to high standards and forge transparent and collaborative relationships for the benefit of patients.”
