An Ethical Audit of Pharmaceutical Laws and Regulations in Iran Publisher



R Esmalipour RASOOL ; N Mehrdad NEDA ; P Salari P
Source: Iranian Journal of Medical Ethics and History of Medicine Published:2025

Abstract

Ethical challenges related to pharmaceutical laws and regulations are among the most significant challenges for pharmacists in fulfilling their professional duties. Therefore, identifying these challenges and conducting an ethical audit is a novel and effective approach for amending related laws and regulations. The ethical challenges faced by pharmacists in providing pharmacy services were explored through conducting a qualitative content analysis study entitled Exploring the Ethical Challenges in Providing Pharmacy Services. The identified challenges were classified into various categories, one of which was challenges related to pharmaceutical laws and regulations. The challenges were extracted from a book entitled Laws and Regulations of Iran’s Pharmaceutical Affairs, analyzed, and divided into three categories, including outdated laws and regulations, lack of proper implementation, and insufficient control and supervision over implementation. These rules and regulations were reviewed and analyzed in comparison with the Code of Ethics for the National Pharmaceutical System and an ethical audit was conducted. Raising awareness among officials and policymakers in the health sector, especially regarding pharmaceutical affairs, and taking necessary measures to improve laws and regulations can ultimately enhance the quality of medical and pharmaceutical services, ensuring that patients receive high-quality pharmaceutical and medical care. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.