The Importance Of Ethics For Pharmacists

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“Ethics… are nothing but reverence for life. This is what gives me the fundamental principle of morality, namely, that good consists in maintaining, promoting, and enhancing life, and that destroying, injuring, and limiting life are evil.” This definition of ethics was from the German physician, theologian, and medical missionary Albert Schweitzer who was awarded the 1952 Nobel Peace Prize1. Ethics are the principles that govern the behavior of society. It is a topic of discussion that affects all of humanity regardless of age, race or generation. In essence, it is the guide by which individuals determine right from wrong.
Several professions have developed codes of ethics that define the behavior expected of their cohorts. The code of ethics for pharmacists explains the duty of a pharmacist to the patient and the profession2. It covers topics such as integrity, verity, justice, beneficence, nonmaleficience, altruism, and autonomy. It explains that pharmacists must respect the trust that is placed in them by the patient, promote the good of every patient, and maintain professional c...

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