Pharmacists demand standards in medicine sales, marketing

Forum 10 months ago

Pharmacists demand standards in medicine sales, marketing

The Society for Pharmaceutical Sales and Marketing of Nigeria says ensuring standards and professionalism in sales and marketing in the pharmaceutical sector will contribute to the advancement of the sector and promote the ethical use of drugs by patients.

Speaking at the induction and investiture of fellows of the society in Lagos recently, the president of the society, Tunde Oyeniran, a pharmacist, said recognising the importance of training, ethics and integrity in the sales and marketing of drugs would make a significant impact on the health and well-being of the nation.

He stated, “We are a professional association and that predisposes that there is a minimum level of behaviour, a minimum body of knowledge and a minimum way of doing things, and that is what we are trying to do.

“Before now, that didn’t exist in the pharmaceutical industry. What happens in pharmaceutical sales and marketing is that it is an all-comers affair without any form of standardisation of behaviour, ethics and the way they do things.

“So, what we are trying to do is to bring together everybody involved in sales and marketing whether you are a pharmacist or not. Through this platform, we aim to address common challenges, explore opportunities and promote the highest standards of professionalism and practice in pharmaceutical sales and marketing.”

He said the society recognised the contributions of sales and marketing professionals in driving the success of the pharmaceutical industry, adding that unethical practices would not be tolerated.