The National Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AMMPS) in Morocco has published a revised code of conduct for medical and pharmaceutical representatives. This code is periodically reviewed to reflect scientific, regulatory, and ethical developments in the pharmaceutical sector. The primary goal of this code is to ensure that the promotion of medicines is conducted with respect for ethics, scientific rigor, and regulatory compliance, ultimately protecting public health and the best interests of patients.
The code defines the rules of conduct and professional ethics for representatives. It prohibits them from engaging in practices that could mislead or influence the judgment of healthcare professionals or compromise health protection. All information provided by medical and pharmaceutical representatives must strictly adhere to the terms of the Marketing Authorization (AMM) for the relevant medication. They are also prohibited from promoting unapproved indications, dosages, or target populations.
According to the decree n°2.24.346, all materials used by representatives, such as brochures and technical sheets, must be validated by the pharmacist responsible for the industrial pharmaceutical establishment. These materials must also be covered by a publicity visa or prior declaration to the AMMPS, depending on the target audience. The code emphasizes the importance of providing objective, balanced information that is consistent with approved scientific data.
Medical and pharmaceutical representatives are required to present an objective, balanced view of the benefits and risks associated with a medication, including side effects, contraindications, and usage precautions. They are prohibited from presenting a medication as having no side effects. The code also strictly prohibits offering advantages or gifts to healthcare professionals, with the exception of symbolic items of negligible value that are directly related to medical or pharmaceutical practice.
The code mandates that representatives maintain professional secrecy regarding confidential information gathered during their duties. They must also respect regulations on the protection of personal data of encountered healthcare professionals. Pharmaceutical establishments and medical information agencies are required to ensure that their representatives receive regular, relevant training to guarantee the quality of the information provided.
The code introduces new measures for the authorization of medical sample distribution. Requests for authorization must be accompanied by a commitment declaration signed by the representative, the pharmacist responsible for the pharmaceutical establishment, and the medical information agency responsible. Samples must be distributed in strict compliance with quotas and conditions set by the code, including the mention "free sample, sale prohibited."
The AMMPS must be notified of any representative's departure by the responsible pharmacist. The revised code aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical sector, ensuring that medical and pharmaceutical representatives operate with the highest ethical standards. This move is expected to contribute to better healthcare outcomes and increased public trust in the industry.
Key points
- The new code of conduct introduces stricter regulations for medical sample distribution and prohibits offering advantages or gifts to healthcare professionals.
- Medical and pharmaceutical representatives must provide objective, balanced information about medications, including benefits and risks.
- The code emphasizes the importance of maintaining professional secrecy and respecting data protection regulations.
