Conflict of interest management policies and practices in the public pharmaceutical sector in the WHO South-East Asia Region

This publication outlines the findings of a qualitative study on conflict of interest management policies and practices in the public pharmaceutical sector in 10 of the 11 countries in the WHO South-East Asia (SEA) Region − Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.

The report was prepared by the University of Toronto, Canada. WHO staff provided technical support in the conception, development and review of the document. Data was obtained through literature reviews and interviews with key informants, and from the Ministries of Health in the countries involved in the study.

The publication will assist policymakers at all levels to engage on the issues underlying conflicts of interest and translate into practical guidelines in their relevant context. Some of the best practices in pharmaceutical processes with effective governance mechanisms that have been identified can serve as models that may be adapted to other contexts.