ABPI and Patient Groups

ABPI communicates with a wide range of patient groups, facilitating open dialogue and also promoting partnerships with stakeholders from across the health care spectrum. The Association hosts a variety of meetings and workshops on important topics where different healthcare sectors meet, challenging issues are raised and differing voices heard.

As a trade association, ABPI works mainly with voluntary sector umbrella organisations, representing a broad range of patient groups whose members and constituents live with diverse medical conditions. Many of our member companies provide some support to individual patient groups. This funding makes possible important work that contributes to the well-being of a great many people living with serious or debilitating medical conditions.

Company sponsorship and joint activities should always be undertaken first and foremost in the interest of patients. It is therefore important that robust policies are in place to ensure that relationships meet high standards of probity and conform with all relevant codes of practice and legislation.

ABPI Code of Practice

The full ABPI Code of Practice for the Pharmaceutical Industry 2008 is available as a PDF on the Prescription Medicines Code of Practice Authority (PMCPA) website along with details for ordering hard copies.

Under the left heading ‘Code of Practice’ on the Home Page, there is specific information pertaining to companies in their relationships with patient groups. This includes changes from the 2006 edition of the Code, guidance on written agreements and certification, as well as clarification of various issues that have been raised.