Project

Transparency Tools for the Private Sector: Promoting Tools to Improve Transparency Standards in the Pharmaceutical Sector – Multi-Sectorial Transparency Agreement

Chapter: Argentina | Project range: National | Year: 2016

Chapter details

About the chapter:
The Argentina Chapter (Poder Ciudadano) is a non-profit organisation that was founded in 1989 by a group of citizens who were concerned about defending civic rights. The organisation became part of the Transparency International Movement in 1993. Our mission is to promote citizen participation, transparency and access to public information to strengthen the institutions of democracy through collective action. We are motivated by the vision of a network of people and institutions committed to public affairs at local, national and international levels in pursuit of democratic and inclusive societies.

CPI Score: 40

CPI Rank: 85


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Summary

Information systems

Other

Regulation

Partners

National Partners:
Business

Theory of Change

Behaviour Change
Seeking Redress Against Corruption
Change Type:

Awareness

Outreach

Aim

The aim is to promote transparency in the pharmaceutical sector.
Specific objectives:
i) to provide a space for knowledge-sharing and networking, with a view to set up an agenda for multi-stakeholder collaboration and increase transparency in the pharmaceutical sector;
ii) to create a guide outlining principles that strengthen transparency in the sector, which would support the signing of multi-stakeholder transparency agreements (MTA);
iii) to promote synergies among all relevant actors within the pharmaceutical sector

Landscape

Pharmaceutical companies make an essential contribution to public health and welfare, as well as to the economies in which they operate. Pharmaceutical companies across Latin America are frequently confronted with the problem of bribery and related conflicts of interest. Pharmaceutical companies face many of the same challenges as counterparts in other business sectors, in relation to government licensing, inspection and procurement activities. But they also have a special responsibility and challenge to ensure the integrity of patient and healthcare provider decisions about the use of prescription drugs.

Activities

  1. Mapped out risks in the pharmaceutical sector
    ConsultationRisk assessment, vulnerability map & baseline study
  2. Established a guide outlining the principles of strengthening transparency in the sector. The guide recommends the signing of multi-stakeholder transparency agreements (MTA)
    Publication of report & guidance
  3. Provide a space for knowledge-sharing and networking for companies with connections to the pharmaceutical sector.
    Strategic working groups & Collaboration

Achievements

  1. The Chapter was able to map risks and vulnerabilities in the pharmaceutical sector. This sheds light on the lack of integrity across different stages in the supply chain, especially in registry, marketing, purchasing, contracting, and distribution.
  2. The Chapter successfully convened a diverse group of national and international companies linked to the pharmaceutical sector. This space enabled actors to engage in an honest dialogue about how to rebuild transparency and accountability in this sector.

Lessons Learnt

  • Ongoing commitment is key to strengthening transparency in the pharmaceutical sector. Unfortunately, companies involved in this project did not engage in further activities.


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