According to the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), all candidates entering this professional field

agree to follow and uphold the Code of Ethics for Pharmacists. The organisations web site states, "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. The Code of Ethics for Pharmacists
states:
I. A pharmacist respects the covenantal relationship between the patient and pharmacist.
II. A pharmacist promotes the good of every patient in a caring, compassionate, and confidential
manner.
III. A pharmacist respects the autonomy and dignity of each patient.
IV. A pharmacist acts with honesty and integrity in professional relationships.
V. A pharmacist maintains professional competence.
VI. A pharmacist respects the values and abilities of colleagues and other health professionals.
VII. A pharmacist serves individual, community, and societal needs.
VIII. A pharmacist seeks justice in the distribution of health resources.

Principle one of the code of ethics for pharmacists states that there should be a mutual relationship
between the pharmacist and the patient, there are expectations on both sides, i.e. the pharmacist as
well as the society. A pharmacist has to be given trust when a person becomes their patient. The
pharmacist then has a duty and a moral obligation to return this trust by providing the best treatments
for optimum outcomes in the prevention, treatment and cure of any disease and being dedicated to
ensuring the health and wellbeing of the patient as well as maintaining a trusting and understanding
relationship.
Principle two states that the pharmacist should always put the patient first and make them their primary
concern. A pharmacist should be kind and caring and empathetic at all times and ensure that the dignity
of the patient is never compromised. It is mandatory that the pharmacist maintain a private and
confidential relationship with the patient except in cases where the law intervenes.
Principle three states that the pharmacist should promote the self-worth of a patient and instill
confidence in them by allowing them to make decisions about their health without external influence.
The pharmacist should respect any decisions made due to personal or cultural reasons. A pharmacist
should always ensure that patient is well informed of the intended medications and always find
common language with them and communicate in terms that are easy to understand and follow.
Principle four states that a pharmacist must comply with the principles of honesty, legality,
professionalism and must provide pharmaceutical care to every individual of society regardless of ones
race, sexuality, political and religious beliefs, economic status, gender, age and social status. A
pharmacist must always be objective and refrain from being influenced by personal beliefs or any
actions that does not seek the best interest of the patient.
Principle five states that its the duty of a pharmacist to constantly improve his qualifications and
maintain his knowledge and skills. A pharmacist must keep abreast of developments in his line of work,
i.e. new medications, devices, technologies and achievements and advances in medical science to
provide safe, accurate and efficient services to society.
Principle six states that a relationship between a pharmacist and fellow health care providers is
necessary for the successful treatment of a patient. A pharmacist should know his limits and refer
patients when the skills of another health care professional are required. A pharmacist must establish
relationships with colleagues based on mutual respect and trust and should always be tolerant and
respectful of alternate point of views, opinions and beliefs.
Principle seven states that while the main duty of a pharmacist is to serve the individual patient, their
services also extend beyond that to the community as well as society on a whole. Pharmacists must be
professional and competent and ensure that quality drugs and medical products are provided. A
pharmacist should also be active in the promotion of health awareness and healthier lifestyles to
maintain wellbeing and prevent diseases.

Principle eight states that a pharmacist should always be fair and just and allow each person an equal
chance to access drugs and medical products. A pharmacist should not give preferential treatment to
some patients but instead distribute medicines and services based on priority.
These eight principles combine to make up the code of ethics for pharmacists and are the basis for being
an outstanding and successful pharmacist in todays society.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://www.pharmacist.com/code-ethics