While welcoming the prominence The Pharmaceutical Journal gave to the Disclosure UK database, which will shortly be a reality (‘Shining a light on drug company payments’, The Pharmaceutical Journal 2016;296:81), we would like to point out that this is in addition to other longstanding requirements governing the relationships between the pharmaceutical industry, healthcare professionals and others.
The Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry’s Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry is administered by the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA). There are many requirements in the code setting out the basis for appropriate relationships with the aim of supporting high quality patient care.
Anyone who has concerns about the activities of pharmaceutical companies should submit a complaint to the PMCPA. More information, including detailed reports of all cases considered and sanctions applied, can be found on our website.
(www.pmcpa.org.uk/cases/Pages/2783.aspx)
Heather Simmonds
Director, Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority
