PHARMACY ADMINSTRATION, LEADERSHIP, AND MANAGEMENT

LECTURE NOTES ON ETHICS

ETHICS
 From the Greek word “ethos”, which means the theory of things” or “way of li ing”
 From the French word “ethique” and Latin word “ethica”, which means “of or for morals, moral or
expressing character
 From the Latin word “mores” which means customs
 Discipline that examines and investigates the justification of long tem moral judgements.
 It is how individuals interact with one another in a society with norms and values and show what is
good for the individual and society, and how to establish one’s duty which one owes to oneself
and to one another.
 Known as the standard behavior in a particular place

Common
sense

Judgement Public
interest

ETHICS
Standard Rules

Principles

MORALITY vs. ETHICS

Morality is what you personally consider to be good or bad. It is not imposed by anyone.
Ethics is what a certain group or society or profession has imposed as standards or as good and
bad, right and wrong.

DILEMMAS IN ETHICS
● How to live a good life
● Observance of our rights and responsibilities
● Language of right and worng
● Moral decisions - what is good and bad?

TYPES OF ETHICS
1. Common - ethics where majority of people agree on.
2. Personal - personal values and moral qualities; influenced by family, friends etc.; may change
and may be chosen by an individual.
3. Professional - rules imposed on an employee or a member of a profession; not adhering to this
may tarnish your professional life

PRIMUM NON NOCERE means "First, do no harm". (Hippocrates)

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PHARMACY ADMINSTRATION, LEADERSHIP, AND MANAGEMENT
LECTURE NOTES ON ETHICS

CODE OF ETHICS OF A PHARMACIST

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.

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