Medicines Australia launches awareness campaign to back up its transparency requirements

Medicines Australia, the representative body for the Australian pharma industry, has launched an awareness campaign to ensure that health care professionals understand the new transparency enhancements contained in its updated code of conduct.

From October, the Industry Code of Conduct will require payments to health care professionals to be disclosed online to the public for the first time.

Tim James, chief executive of Medicines Australia, said: “Our members are proud of the work that we do to ensure that the public can continue to have confidence in our local medicines industry. Transparency is a key component of the bond of trust with the Australian public. A strong working relationship and the ongoing exchange of knowledge between the medicine makers and healthcare professionals are critical to better patient outcomes. Expert advice from experienced healthcare professionals is important to ensure vital new medicines are developed and used safely and effectively.”