Circular 5/08

Circular to all Broadcasting Stations

Requirements as to Standards and Practice on Programmes involving Participation of Certain Health Care Professionals

 in the Broadcasting Media and Requirements as to Advertisements, Methods of Advertising and

Directions applicable to Medicinal Products and Treatments

As you are aware, the above-mentioned Requirements have been published in the Government Gazette of 29th January 2008 as Government Notice 88 of 2008.

As I have already circulated a copy of these Requirements, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that these Requirements have been in force since 29th January 2008 and that in terms of paragraph 18.1 of these Requirements a Health Warning must be given both on radio and television as stated hereunder:

"All advertisements of medicinal products or medicinal treatments shall contain wording to the effect that prior to purchasing the medicinal product or taking the medicinal treatment in question, the advice of a health care professional is sought as such medicine or treatment might have ill effects on one's health and well-being."

Please ensure that in the case of those medicinal products or medicinal treatments which can be advertised, such adverts carry the above-mentioned health warning.

Please bring the contents of this Circular to the attention of all your staff and to independent producers and advertisers.