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Montreal • 4 September 2026
Pharmacy organisations, regulators and educators should strengthen and regularly update their codes of ethics to reflect the rapidly evolving role of pharmacists and emerging healthcare challenges, according to a new Statement of Policy released today by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP).
Replacing FIP's 2014 statement of professional standards in this area, the updated policy provides guidance for developing and implementing modern codes of ethics that apply to pharmacists across all areas of practice. It recognises that pharmacists' responsibilities now extend well beyond medicines supply to include patient care, research, education, leadership, regulation, public health and pharmaceutical innovation. The statement reinforces pharmacists’ ethical responsibility to exercise independent professional judgement, maintain competence through continuing professional development, and uphold the highest standards of care regardless of where they practise.
"Ethics has always been the foundation of pharmacy practice, but the profession has evolved significantly over the past decade," said Mr Luís Lourenço, co-chair of the policy committee. "Pharmacists today are making increasingly complex clinical, professional and technological decisions. Our codes of ethics must evolve alongside practice to provide a clear framework that supports professional judgement, protects patients and strengthens public trust."
The statement outlines the principles that should underpin national codes of ethics, including integrity, professional accountability, patient-centred and person-centred care, confidentiality, respect for human rights, non-discrimination and interprofessional collaboration.
"Strong ethical frameworks are essential to address emerging ethical priorities, including the responsible use of artificial intelligence and digital health technologies, pharmacist wellbeing, conscientious objection, environmental sustainability and protection from undue commercial or organisational pressures," said Dr Betty Chaar, co-chair of the policy committee. "By updating and strengthening codes of ethics, we can help pharmacists continue to deliver safe, equitable and high-quality care while maintaining the confidence of the communities they serve."
The updated statement includes recommendations for pharmacy organisations, governments and policymakers, education providers and patient organisations. It also outlines FIP's own commitments, including supporting the development and regular review of national codes of ethics, promoting ethics education, facilitating international dialogue on professional ethics and gathering global information on ethics-related activities across the profession.
Notes for editors
About FIP
The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) is the global body representing over 5.5 million pharmacists, pharmacy educators and pharmaceutical scientists. We work to meet the world's healthcare needs. FIP is a non-governmental organisation that has been in official relations with the World Health Organization since 1948. www.fip.org
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International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP)
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