Healthy Skepticism Library item: 4138

Warning: This library includes all items relevant to health product marketing that we are aware of regardless of quality. Often we do not agree with all or part of the contents.

Publication type: news

A review of attitudes, impressions, problems, restraints and policies existing regarding the present process of government control over drug advertising in Canada
1990 Mar 15

Abstract:

A series of 50 interviews and meetings were conducted with government officials, health professionals, consumer groups and industry representatives on the subject of the regulation of promotion of over-the-counter products. The Health Protection Branch is looking for ways to improve the present system and to more toward responsible self regulation. Health professionals and consumer groups have an inherent mistrust of business/advertising and express some genuine concern about potential health problems. These groups do not want to see the HPB entirely relinquish some form of preclearance control over advertising. Industry is convinced that through the existing preclearance requirements regarding products and labeling, along with current misleading advertising legislation and factored too by generally high standards of corporate ethics, that advertising preclearance is unnecessary, time consuming and ultimately a costly arrangement for all stakeholders. The report recommends that the HPB turn over the process of preclearing broadcast advertisements to a “Stakeholders’ Board” comprised of representatives of the HPB, professionals, the public and industry.

Keywords:
*analytic survey/Canada/regulation of promotion/attitude toward promotion/doctors/general public and consumers/direct-to-consumer advertising/DTCA/over-the-counter medications/ industry perspective/ regulatory authorities/ATTITUDES REGARDING PROMOTION: CONSUMERS/PATIENTS/ATTITUDES REGARDING PROMOTION: HEALTH PROFESSIONALS/ATTITUDES REGARDING PROMOTION: INDUSTRY/ATTITUDES REGARDING PROMOTION: REGULATORS AND GOVERNMENT/EVALUATION OF PROMOTION: DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER ADVERTISING/PROMOTION IN SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC AREAS: OTC MEDICATIONS/REGULATION, CODES, GUIDELINES: AUTONOMOUS BODIES