Pharmacist in relation to his Trade & Profession. Pharmacist Oath

 Price Structure:

1. Pharmacists must ensure that the prices of drugs and medicinal preparations charged to customers are reasonable, inclusive of dispensing and compounding charges, and do not overly burden the purchaser.

 Fair Trade Practices:

2. Pharmacists should refrain from engaging in unhealthy competition or cut-throat tactics aimed at capturing the business of fellow pharmacists. This includes avoiding practices like offering reduced prices, gifts, prizes, etc.
3. It is prohibited to copy or imitate trade marks, labels, symbols, or any other signs associated with other pharmacists. All drugs and ingredients must be sourced from reputable suppliers.

 Hawking of Drugs:

4. Pharmacists should not engage in hawking drugs and medicines or attempt to collect orders from door to door.
5. Self-servicing methods in the pharmacy or drug stores should not be allowed, as they may encourage self-medication, which is both undesirable and potentially dangerous.

 Advertisement and Display: 

6. There should be no display or advertisement on the premises, in newspapers, or elsewhere that makes misleading or exaggerated statements or claims about the pharmacy's abilities and services. This includes guarantees of therapeutic efficacy, offers to refund money paid, appeals to fear, and the use of the word 'cure' in reference to ailments or symptoms of ill-health.

 Pharmacists in Relation to the Medical Profession:

1. Pharmacists should never engage in the practice of medicine, including diagnosing diseases and prescribing medicines. However, in cases of accidents or emergencies, they may provide first aid services.
2. Recommending a particular medical practitioner should only be done when specifically asked for by a customer.
3. Pharmacists should avoid entering into secret agreements with medical professionals, physicians, dentists, or veterinary surgeons to offer them commissions or gifts in exchange for recommending their dispensary or drug store. Such underhand arrangements with any physician are strictly prohibited.
4. Pharmacists serve as a bridge between the medical profession and the public. They should stay updated on developments in pharmacy and related fields, becoming experts in their domain to provide advice to physicians on pharmaceutical matters and educate the public on maintaining their health.
5. Discussions about physician's prescriptions with customers and the disclosure of prescription compositions should be avoided.

 Pharmacists in Relation to Their Profession:

1. Pharmacists must abide by the law and ethical principles to uphold the standards of their profession.
2. Providing help and cooperation to fellow pharmacists in emergencies and legitimate situations is encouraged.
3. Pharmacists should actively work to eliminate undesirable, corrupt, or dishonest conduct within their profession to maintain its reputable status in society.
4. A thorough understanding of state and national laws related to food, drugs, pharmacy education, health, and other relevant matters is essential.
5. Staying updated on professional matters and engaging with pharmaceutical organizations with compatible ethical values is important.
6. Pharmacists should avoid any actions that may bring discredit to their profession or themselves.

 Pharmacist’s Oath-

The Pharmacist's Oath, also known as the Oath of a Pharmacist, is a solemn pledge that pharmacists often take upon graduating from pharmacy school or as a commitment to their profession. The specific wording of the oath may vary among institutions and countries, but the underlying principles and values are typically consistent. Here's a common version of the Pharmacist's Oath:

"I promise to devote myself to a lifetime of service to others through the profession of pharmacy. In fulfilling this vow:

I will consider the welfare of humanity and relief of suffering my primary concerns.

I will apply my knowledge, experience, and skills to the best of my ability to assure optimal outcomes for my patients.

I will respect and protect all personal and health information entrusted to me.

I will accept the lifelong obligation to improve my professional knowledge and competence.

I will hold myself and my colleagues to the highest principles of our profession's moral, ethical, and legal conduct.

I will embrace and advocate changes that improve patient care.

I will utilize my knowledge, skills, experiences, and values to prepare the next generation of pharmacists.

I take these vows voluntarily with the full realization of the responsibility with which I am entrusted by the public."

 

Pharmacists take this oath as a commitment to their patients, their profession, and the ethical practice of pharmacy. It underscores the importance of patient welfare, continuous learning, and ethical conduct in the practice of pharmacy.