ABPI calls for PMCPA change

The ABPI is proposing the PCMPA’s Constitution and Procedure be amended so that any future change to its Code of Practice can be done so without calling a general meeting.

The Association is obliged to implement any amendments the European Federation of Pharmaceutical Industries and Associations (EFPIA) makes but currently has to arrange a formal procedure to do so.

Its Board of Management is now requesting that where “changes arise solely” from amendments to the EFPIA Code they’re introduced without a general meeting.

The ABPI says companies would then be consulted regarding any changes.

The EFPIA recently made amendments to its Code on the Promotion of Prescription-Only Medicines to, and Interactions with, Health Professionals and to its Code of Practice on Relationships between the Pharmaceutical Industry and Patient Organisations.

The proposals have now been sent to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the British Medical Association (BMA), the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain (RPSGB), and the Royal College of Nursing (RCN) as required by the existing Constitution and Procedure.

Although consultations are welcome on the proposals, it is anticipated they will be discussed before the ABPI’s bi-annual general meeting in November, with a view to approval by member companies.

The new measures would then come into effect from 1st January 2012, and become fully operative on 1st May 2012.