Medicines Australia Appoints Educational Event Auditor

Main Category: Pharmacy / Pharmacist
Also Included In: Pharma Industry / Biotech Industry
Article Date: 18 Jan 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Medicines Australia chief executive Ian Chalmers announced the appointment of international business consulting firm Deloitte to review all educational events conducted by pharmaceutical companies for doctors over the period 1 July to 31 December 2007.

This appointment goes beyond an ACCC requirement that Medicines Australia member companies report the details of their educational events for publication on the Medicines Australia website.

Deloitte will undertake an independent and objective evaluation of reported events, enabling Medicines Australia to assess the level of compliance with the industry Code of Conduct.

Mr Chalmers said the audit procedure will assist member companies to achieve maximum compliance with the Code of Conduct.

"The appointment of an independent auditor recognises concerns held by some in the community that there is a lack of transparency in the interactions between pharmaceutical companies and doctors.

"We have listened to those concerns and we're taking action," Mr Chalmers said. "If the auditor considers any reported events may potentially be in breach of the Code, such cases will be subject to a rigorous, independent investigative process that may, where a breach of the Code is confirmed, culminate in significant sanctions.

"I hope people will recognise that these events are important in educating doctors about new medicines and the quality use of medicines. I also hope that this audit gives the community confidence that the manner in which these events are conducted is closely and effectively monitored."

Deloitte will report to Medicines Australia in February.

Details of complaints against pharmaceutical companies, which have been submitted to and considered by the Code of Conduct Committee, are published quarterly on the Medicines Australia website.

Medicines Australia