BRUSSELS – 7 January 2015 – The COCIR New Code, setting the standard for member companies in their interactions with healthcare professionals,  pre-announced in May 2014, is now in force since 1 January 2015.  It contains additional guidance on topics such as public procurement of medical technology, industry support of third party conferences, provision of educational grants and interactions with independent third parties (e.g. agents, distributors and consultants). Gifts, hospitality, demonstration and evaluation of equipment are additional aspects that have also been updated. 

This New Code as well as a full package of supporting materials, including Questions and Answers and Do’s and Don’ts, is now available in 6 languages: English, Dutch, French, German Italian and Spanish. Those additional materials will help in supporting its enforcement.

In addition, an interactive E-learning tool will soon be available in those same languages in order to improve knowledge and understanding of the key principles contained in this Code.

Nicole Denjoy, COCIR Secretary General says: “We were the first ones to make an E-learning tool available last year, completely free of charge to both COCIR members and stakeholders.  Our full package of supporting materials will help test and improve knowledge of the key principles followed by our industry, including practical applications. By updating such a useful package, synchronized with our New Code of Conduct, we want to continue supporting our members by facilitating their relationships with healthcare professionals”.

For more information, contact:

Nicole Denjoy 
COCIR Secretary General        
Tel: +32 (0)2 706 8961
denjoy@cocir.org      

Kathryn Sheridan
COCIR Communications Advisor
Tel: +32 (0)496 116198    
press@cocir.org