Abstract

In early January 2012, a shocking news for the pharmacists and a sad report for the nation struck Malaysia. Two pharmacists were found involved in transferring psychotropic medications out of hospitals and smuggling them into the black market.1 Subsequently, the ministry of health decided to table “The Pharmacy Bill 2012” in the parliament to empower the ministry to take stiffer penalties on pharmaceutical offenders.2

The question should be how such offences could happen rather than asking what should be the punishment for those who commit such transgressions. The approach should be a diagnostic attempt to find out the cause, motivation, and rationale behind such unprofessional and reprobate acts. Within this context, one may ask, if it stemmed from lack of educational effort on topics related to pharmacy ethics and professionalism especially in the developing countries?

The mission and vision of colleges and schools of pharmacy in Malaysia are well-defined. These schools emphasize professionalism and codes of conduct-albeit more emphasis is placed on the symbolic frame of professionalism3 (ie, white coat ceremonies, dress codes, etc). These schools continuously assess the professionalism of their students, from the day of enrolment to the day of graduation.