Committed To Upholding The Highest Standards Of Ethics In Business And Clinical Practices

Bulamu Healthcare’s Code Of Conduct

Bulamu Healthcare’s Code of Conduct, or Code, is a summary of the ethical rules that must govern our actions at all times. The Code applies to all of our management team members, temporary staff members, medical professionals, associates, employees, consultants, volunteers, and visitors.

Bulamu’s Values

1. A Human Right: We operate with the underlying belief that access to professional healthcare is a basic human right.
2. Culture of Caring: Create an organizational culture that puts the patient first, is consistently caring, and turns away no one in need.
3. Teamwork: Foster a spirit of dedication, enthusiasm, and cooperation within each program that motivates our staff to help each other and give their best for the well-being of patients.
4. Clinical Excellence: Operate efficient health programs that provide today’s standard of care while using staff education and management tools to deliver continuous improvement.
5. Local Solutions: Build in-country organizational strength that can ultimately operate independently of foreign help.
6. Data-Driven: Use information technology to collect needed healthcare data, track outcomes, facilitate follow-up care, and prove the efficacy of our activities.
7. Evolve Toward Sustainability: Leverage our innovative programs to move toward economic sustainability that works effectively with local government institutions.
8. Prevention and Wellness: Serve the broader community with outreach programs that support disease prevention and healthy lifestyles.

Going beyond these general principles, this Code specifically prohibits certain types of illegal, unethical or unacceptable behaviors that are explained more fully below.

Respect for and Adherence to the Law

Bulamu Healthcare will conduct its business in compliance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations. We will operate fairly, ethically and legally in all of our activities. We are prepared to discipline or terminate our relationship with anyone whose conduct violates applicable laws, regulations, or the basic standards of honesty and integrity. We will always be accurate and truthful in any reports or claims submitted to the government. We will promptly investigate any report of misconduct, take appropriate corrective action, and voluntarily disclose illegal activities involving any Government entity to an appropriate public official.

Government Agencies

In dealing with the government agencies that oversee our in-country activities, our associates must take an active role in staying up-to-date on all the regulations that apply to their activity. We will cooperate courteously during any inspections or investigations and provide requested information to which these agencies are entitled. Please notify the Medical Camp Director whenever an inspection, investigation, or request for information occurs.

Bribes and Kickbacks

A bribe or kickback is the giving or accepting of money, fees, commissions, credits, gifts, or favors for the purpose of obtaining favorable treatment in return. We never offer, give, ask for, or take any form of bribe or kickback. We want people to do business with us or use our services because of their value, not because they have received something extra under the table. When we work with government officials, we strictly comply with the government’s requirements, including their rules on gifts, meals, entertainment, and conflicts of interest.

Conflicts of Interest

All members of the Bulamu Healthcare Team will base business decisions on the needs and interests of the organization and the people it serves, rather than any personal interests. We should not participate in any activity that could conflict with our responsibilities to Bulamu or give the appearance of impropriety. We should not favor family members or friends in a way that is unfair to unrelated parties. Our associates should not do business with any partner or supplier with whom they have a financial interest. The use of Bulamu equipment, supplies, and facilities for personal use is not permitted.

Accepting Gifts

Bulamu representatives should never solicit or accept gifts that might appear to undermine objectives in treating those with whom we do business, with the exception of small gifts or promotional items of nominal value. Whenever possible, a gift should be shared with the other members of your group, team, or department.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

Bulamu Healthcare is committed to equal opportunities for all persons, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, sexual orientation, marital status, age or disability. We provide a positive working environment in which everyone may grow, contribute, and participate free from discrimination or favoritism. We are committed to fair and lawful policies in recruiting, hiring, evaluating, training, and recognition of our associates. Each of us is responsible for fostering a positive work environment and treating each other fairly in all circumstances.

Preventing Unacceptable Conduct or Sexual Harassment

Each employee and patient has the right to be free from improper or offensive conduct, including unwanted sexual advances or abusive language. Verbal, written, or physical conduct that is offensive or threatening to another individual is harassment and will not be tolerated. We do not tolerate violent behavior at our workplaces, damage to someone else’s property, or causing another to fear they could be injured. We will treat our patients and each other with respect, courtesy, and dignity.

Safety, Health, and the Environment

We are committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment. Each of us has a responsibility to be on the lookout for unsafe conditions or practices and to report them to your supervisor. We maintain a workplace that is free from the effects of drug and alcohol abuse. Any misconduct due to substance abuse will be met with prompt dismissal. Bulamu is committed to the protection of our natural environment and the conservation of all of its resources. We fully comply with all environmental laws and regulations, especially in the disposal of any medical waste.

Selecting Suppliers

Building strong relationships with suppliers is part of our ability to deliver affordable medical care. We treat our suppliers fairly, as we expect to be treated. Our purchasing decisions need to be based on sound, objective business criteria, such as performance, quality, delivery, and cost. Whenever possible, we encourage competitive bids. Our policy is to explain to a supplier why their company was not chosen for a specific procurement. All of our supplier agreements are documented and clearly identify the services or products to be provided, and the prices, terms, and conditions of sale. We honor the contractual obligations and commitments we have with our suppliers.

Communication

We provide accurate and timely information about our activities and finances to our constituencies and the general public. We always strive to manage our business activities to be both ethical and financially sound. We strive to communicate openly, truthfully, and effectively, without sugar coating or spin. If you become aware that incorrect or misleading information has been communicated, you should take the necessary steps to see that the miscommunication is acknowledged and corrected.

Copyrights, Patents, and Trademarks

We take steps to protect our proprietary intellectual property, such as copyrighted material and trademarks, and to safeguard our proprietary business practices that help distinguish us from others. We also respect the intellectual property of others and are prohibited from making unauthorized copies of copyrighted written materials, documents or computer software that belong to others.

Code of Conduct: Understanding and Compliance

Employees are personally responsible for understanding and complying with our Code of Conduct. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employees, contractors and other paid staff. Note: Our Code is not an employment agreement, but rather a statement of how everyone is to behave when they are employed by Bulamu.

Reporting Suspected Violations or Unethical Conduct

If you have any questions about this Code, please discuss them with Bulamu’s Director of Administration or Program Director. If you observe any suspected or actual violations, you should immediately contact the Program Director or other member of the leadership team. All staff members, associates, or volunteers have the obligation to continue voicing their concerns until they are sure that their position has been understood. A volunteer or contractor who witnesses a violation and fails to report it in essence becomes complicit in covering up that violation and may therefore be subject to discipline.

Employees should feel free when necessary to contact our Ombudsman, our Chief Financial Officer and Board Member who is experienced in business and very familiar with our Code. His contact information is:

Mr. John Schniedwind, CFO
Bulamu Healthcare International
1933 Waverley Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
jschniedwind@bulamuhealthcare.org
Telephone (U.S.): 1-650-799-7296

He can be reached at and will accept “collect calls” from anyone from anywhere in the world.