RIYADH: A code of ethics for those involved in manufacturing and marketing pharmaceutical products will be launched in the Kingdom on Sunday, a senior official from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) announced in Riyadh Monday.
"It is a code that will cover all those who deal with pharmaceutical products in the public and the private sectors," SFDA Vice Chairman for medicines Saleh Al-Bawazeer said.
The charter will cover manufacturers of pharmaceuticals, companies and their marketing representatives, medics and paramedics, pharmacists and health workers who deal with these products, Al-Bawazeer said.
He said the charter has been drawn up in cooperation with the local pharmaceutical companies affiliated to the Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry and other members in the private and public sectors.
The official said the Kingdom is the largest market in the Middle East for pharmaceutical products and it is valued at SR10 billion. "The charter will also entail the responsibilities of the people who are involved in the pharmaceutical business," he said, adding they have heavy responsibilities on their shoulders in manufacturing and marketing the right products to consumers in the Kingdom.
The code would ensure pharmaceutical products manufactured or imported into the Kingdom adhere to global standards.
Abdul Rahman Al- Sultan, director of SFDA's customer information service, said the pharmaceuticals sold in the Kingdom should include a description of the product, its price, ingredients, indications, uses and its respective registration reference in the local market.
"The companies which market these products should organize workshops and awareness programs for people who are dealing with them," he said.
© Arab News 2012
