​The ABPI was commenting on a document published by the Scottish Executive that confirms the framework in which industry and the NHS Scotland can work together in an open and transparent manner. Commenting on the publication of A Common Understanding - Guidance on Joint Working between NHSScotland and the Pharmaceutical Industry launched by the Health Minister, Malcolm Chisholm MSP, Jim Eadie, Director of ABPI Scotland said:

"ABPI Scotland welcomes this guidance and is delighted that it recognises the pharmaceutical industry as a significant stakeholder with expertise and experience of value to the NHS. It also provides positive endorsement of the excellent examples of successful joint working already in progress. "I am convinced that as NHSScotland and the pharmaceutical industry work more closely in this new spirit there will be real benefits for patient care and improvements in the health of the people of Scotland."

The guidance follows a pledge made by the Scottish Executive in its publication The Right Medicine: A Strategy for Pharmaceutical Care in Scotland published in February 2002 to produce guidance on joint working between NHSScotland and the pharmaceutical industry to help to ensure common understanding and improve patient care.

It highlights examples of good practice in joint projects such as Heart Pack - Coronary Heart Disease Resource Directory, and the model joint working framework will ensure responsibility, transparency and integrity in this process.

For further information, please contact: ABPI Press Office 020 7747 1410