The free training programme was funded by the Department of Health, and developed in partnership with the BMA and the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI).
The training is designed to support the Ethical Procurement for Health workbook launched in 2011. Together, they provide practical advice for healthcare buyers, helping them to identify poor labour standards and take action through the procurement process and engagement with suppliers.
Materials include a short film called The Human Cost of Healthcare, available to view by clicking here, a tutor-led training course and three e-learning modules.
Dr Vivienne Nathanson, the BMA’s Director of Professional Activities, said: “Some medical products used in the NHS are produced in unhealthy, unsafe and unfair working conditions. Workers in the developing world are often exposed to hazardous conditions where they risk serious injury and even death to make goods bound for the NHS. There is also evidence of child labour and bonded labour which is essentially a form of slavery.
“If you are a member of the public I urge you to watch our film which exposes the working conditions in which some products bound for the NHS are produced. If you work in the NHS, encourage your employers to get their procurement staff trained up. It is not enough to feel sad about the plight of workers who are being exploited, we need to change the way we purchase.”
Health Minister Dr Dan Poulter said: “Poor labour standards within supply chains of products and services provided to the NHS are inexcusable. These materials will help NHS buyers with ethical procurement, and help to protect the health and wellbeing of workers in the supply chain.”
Peter McAllister, ETI Director, said: “The NHS has enormous purchasing power, and a real opportunity to drive positive changes within its supply chains. The health service tends to have long-term contracts, with a relatively stable base of suppliers. From ETI’s experience, we know that recognising workers’ rights translates into cost efficiencies, improved product quality, and better transparency in the supply chain.”
To get involved in the BMA’s Fair Medical Trade campaign, visit: www.fairmedtrade.org.uk.
