<
https://theconversation.com/most-high-income-countries-ban-direct-advertising-of-prescription-drugs-why-does-nz-still-allow-it-231688>
"New Zealand and the United States are the only high-income countries to allow
unrestricted direct-to-consumer advertising of branded medicines, including the
name of the drug and the condition for which it is prescribed.
Our recent analysis explores why most other countries outlaw this controversial
practice. We review evidence that direct advertising can lead to overdiagnosis
and unnecessary treatments, causing potential harm and higher health costs.
Direct advertising of prescription medicines, primarily through television and
print media, developed in the US and New Zealand during the 1990s in the
absence of any new legislation or a specific ban.
After three decades, New Zealand’s legislative vacuum changed last year when
the previous government formalised the legality of direct ads in the new
Therapeutic Products Bill. The move surprised many, given the Labour Party’s
historical opposition to the practice.
The bill became law in July 2023. But one of the current coalition government’s
campaign pledges was to scrap it, based in part on concerns about regulation of
natural and other low-risk health products.
The government appears committed to repealing the law. As yet, though, there is
no indication of what regulatory framework would take its place. And it is
unclear whether Minister of Health Shane Reti will renew his efforts while in
opposition to ban the practice."
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
