Nihon Kohden recognizes that carrying out sound, fair, transparent, open, positive and competitive business activities in accordance with the Nihon Kohden Charter of Conduct will foster greater trust from society and is absolutely essential for the continuity of its business.
We constantly strive to educate stakeholders about this policy to ensure that it is made known to and practiced by all across the value chain, including not only executives and employees, but also customers and business partners.
In recent years, a number of scandals involving inappropriate relationships between pharmaceuticals and medical device manufactures and healthcare professional have come to light in countries around the world. As a result, society now demands that such vested interests be made known widely to secure the safety and best interests of persons receiving medical care. In the U.S., the Sunshine Act, part of the country’s healthcare reform, took effect in August 2013, while in Japan similar guidelines on transparency, although voluntary in nature, have been applied to pharmaceuticals companies starting in 2012 and medical devices manufacturers in 2013.
Nihon Kohden carefully follows these laws and guidelines and discloses its relationships with healthcare professionals using appropriate means. By doing so, we are seeking to foster greater trust in the Nihon Kohden Group and the healthcare industry.
Nihon Kohden regularly conducts compliance training for all of its employees in Japan to ensure they continually maintain the correct understanding and mindset toward sound and fair business practices. Departments related to sales and procurement have established legal affairs training tailored to the needs of their organization, which includes Fair Competition Code and the Act against Delay in Payment of Subcontract Proceeds, Etc. to Subcontractors, to foster greater understanding toward fair business practices.
Furthermore, Fair Competition Code Instructors are deployed to each of our sales subsidiaries and departments to support employees with engaging in sound and fair business practices, which ensures Nihon Kohden has system in place to empower its employees to take the right actions.
