The ARPharm Code of Ethics of the Research-Based Pharmaceutical Industry in Bulgaria was amended on the 26th November 2013. The amendments will be in force from 1st January 2014.
The amendments include:
Article 9.11. (Deleted as of 01.01.2014)
ARTICLE 10 – Information and Educational Materials. Items of Medical Utility
10.1. (Amended on 26.11.2013, in force since 01.01.2014) Information and educational materials can be provided to a healthcare professional if:
10.1.1. They are not high in value.
10.1.2. They are directly relevant to medical practice or pharmacy.
10.1.3. Providing them will improve patient care.
10.1.4. Their provision is not an incentive for the healthcare professional to recommend, prescribe, supply, sell or administer a specific medicinal product.
10.2. If they are not high in value; information and educational materials with value not higher than 40 Levs including VAT (amended on 27.09.2011, in force since 01.01.2012, amended on 26.11.2013, in force since 01.01.2014)
10.3. Items of medical utility only, aimed at educating healthcare professionals and providing patient care which are not high in value and cost up to 100 Levs including VAT. These items may be supplied with a view to support healthcare professionals’ activity and to overcome the consequences of the insufficient public funding for healthcare in Bulgaria. The items provided must not be part of the necessary/mandatory equipment for the medical practice and may include medical and scientific literature. (amended on 26.11.2013, in force since 01.01.2014).
ARTICLE 12a (amended on 26.11.2013, in force since 01.01.2014) – Sponsorship of healthcare professionals
12a.1. Companies comply with the applicable codes in the selection and sponsorship of healthcare professionals to participate in training and events. Healthcare professionals can not be provided compensation only for participating in events. In the case of sponsorship of healthcare professionals to participate in an international event, the provisions of the national code of the country where the healthcare professional practices/exercises activities apply
Article 16b (adopted 26.11.2013, in force since 01.01.2014) – Ban on gifts
16b.1. Healthcare professionals can not be provided or offered gifts or other material benefits in cash or in kind.
For further information refer to:
