E-DRUG: Good governance / practices and implementation by pharmaceutical companies
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Dear colleagues,
One subject that we are tackling in public health in Zambia is enforcement of good governance in the management of the sector. For those following public health developments in Zambia, you will be aware of the challenges faced by Zambia's public health and its cooperatiing partners. To date, a lot of work has been done by both parties that end, and of course, a lot remains to be done. One area I am interested in is the role played by pharma companies in ensuring that public buyers apply good practices when dealing with industry. I can refer to the use of gifts, inducements, etc, and how these, having been part of common marketing practice, are now largely absent as a result of public pressure against these practices.
To what extent have colleagues come across companies that have a (or declare their) policy position in regard to what we now accept as Good pharmaceutical business Practice?
I suspect that this is a tough position to take by any company, when faced with the commercial competition that exits within the pharma industry. I also believe it is a tough challenge when buyers suggest (or imply by action or inaction) to the supplier or potential supplier, that if inducements are not made (in whatever form), there shall be no future business relationship. Many suppliers / potential suppliers faced with this dilema, may chose to give an inducement, and will never raise an objection to authorities.
I raise this question because I am not sure that we on e-drug have specifically considered this dark side of relations between the buyer and the supplier. Is there some positive experiences that colleagues have that we can learn from?
Regards,
Bonnie
Bonface Fundafunda PhD., MBA., B.Pharm
Manager, Drug Supply Budget Line
Ministry of Health,
P.O. Box 30205,
Ndeke House,
Lusaka,
Zambia
Tel: +260 211 25 41 83
Fax: +260 211 25 33 44
Mobile: + 260 979 25 29 00
Email: bcfunda@hotmail.com