Morocco Cracks Down on Misleading Drug Ads: New Decree Sets Stricter Regulations
Morocco Cracks Down on Misleading Drug Ads with New Decree
Curbing Misinformation and Protecting Consumers: A New Era of Pharmaceutical Advertising Regulation in Morocco
Morocco has taken a significant step towards ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens by implementing stricter regulations on pharmaceutical advertising. A new decree, issued by the Ministry of Health and Social Protection, aims to combat misleading drug promotions and safeguard public health by establishing clear guidelines for advertising medications to both the public and healthcare professionals. This move reflects a growing global trend towards greater transparency and accountability in the pharmaceutical industry, addressing concerns about the potential impact of unregulated advertising on consumer health decisions. The World Health Organization (WHO), for example, has long advocated for responsible marketing of medicines, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable populations from misleading claims. (See WHO’s Ethical Criteria for Medicinal Drug Promotion for more information: [link to relevant WHO resource if available]).
This new decree, officially numbered 2.24.364 and published in the Official Gazette (number 7363) on December 5, 2024, builds upon existing legislation, specifically articles 42 and 44 of Law 17.04, also known as the Moroccan Medicines and Pharmacy Code. It mandates that all public-facing pharmaceutical advertisements must receive pre-approval, in the form of a visa, from the Moroccan Agency for Medicines and Health Products (MAMHP). This agency plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficacy of medicines in Morocco, similar to the FDA in the United States or the EMA in Europe.
The process for obtaining this advertising visa is clearly defined. Article 4 of the decree stipulates that the advertised medication must hold a valid marketing authorization and have no batches currently suspended or recalled under Article 119 of Law 17.04. This ensures that only approved and safe medications are promoted to the public. Furthermore, pharmaceutical companies are required to submit a comprehensive application, signed by a licensed pharmacist and bearing the company’s official seal, to the MAMHP. This rigorous process adds another layer of scrutiny to ensure compliance.
Transparency and clarity are paramount. Article 10 of the decree emphasizes that advertisements must be clearly identifiable as such, explicitly stating that the promoted product is a medicine. Crucially, the advertisement must include the drug’s name, registration number, and essential information for safe and appropriate use. This is a vital step in empowering consumers to make informed decisions about their health, rather than being swayed by potentially misleading marketing tactics.
The MAMHP retains the authority to suspend or revoke advertising visas if the drug’s marketing authorization is suspended, or if any violation of Article 39 of Law 17.04 is detected. This provides a mechanism for ongoing monitoring and enforcement, ensuring that pharmaceutical advertising remains within legal and ethical boundaries.
Advertising directed at healthcare professionals is also addressed. Pharmaceutical companies can initiate such campaigns 15 days after submitting their application to the MAMHP. However, the agency retains the right to halt any campaign found to be in breach of the law. This balanced approach allows for timely dissemination of information to healthcare providers while maintaining oversight to prevent misinformation.
This new decree marks a significant advancement in regulating pharmaceutical advertising in Morocco. By prioritizing transparency, accuracy, and consumer safety, it aims to foster a more responsible and ethical pharmaceutical landscape. This move aligns with international best practices and underscores Morocco’s commitment to protecting public health. It will be interesting to observe the impact of this decree on pharmaceutical marketing practices and, ultimately, on the health and well-being of Moroccan citizens.
