Morocco Embraces Regulated Pharmaceutical Advertising: A Step Towards Transparency

Thursday 16 May 2024 - 14:30

Morocco is poised to introduce a regulated framework for pharmaceutical advertising, aiming to strike a balance between consumer awareness and responsible promotion. The Ministry of Health has submitted a draft decree outlining procedures for obtaining advertising visas for human-use medications, marking a significant shift in the nation's approach to this sensitive industry.

The proposed decree, currently available on the website of the General Secretariat of the Government (SGG), invites public commentary for a two-week period, fostering transparency and inclusivity in the decision-making process.

Underpinned by the legal provisions of the Code of Medicines and Pharmacy, the draft decree establishes stringent conditions for granting, suspending, or revoking advertising visas, while simultaneously specifying declaration modalities for each advertisement, empowering pharmaceutical companies with a clear roadmap.

The authorization process, led by the Ministry of Health, involves consultation with the National Committee responsible for approving the market entry of medicines. Simultaneously, the draft decree grants the Ministry the authority to suspend or revoke advertising visas in cases of urgency or non-compliance with legal provisions by pharmaceutical companies. Any refusal to grant authorization must be duly explained and communicated to the concerned party, ensuring due process and transparency.

To obtain the coveted advertising visa, pharmaceutical companies must adhere to specific guidelines. These include refraining from mentioning the commercial name of the medication on advertising materials and instead using the name of the active ingredient. Additionally, the use of characters or colors reminiscent of the product's packaging is strictly prohibited. The draft decree stipulates that advertising messages must be clear, identifying the product as a medication while urging consumers to carefully read the accompanying instructions and warning them to "consult a physician if symptoms persist."

In cases where pharmaceutical advertising is not targeted at the general public, a declaration to the Ministry of Health is mandated. Companies must submit their application dossier 15 days prior to the intended dissemination date, via a dedicated electronic platform. The dossier should include an updated summary of the product's characteristics. If no request for additional information is received within 15 days, the advertising material is deemed compliant, and the company can proceed with its dissemination.

This long-awaited move towards regulated pharmaceutical advertising in Morocco signifies a commitment to promoting public health awareness while safeguarding consumer interests. By fostering transparency and establishing clear guidelines, the nation aims to strike a delicate balance between the pharmaceutical industry's promotional efforts and the dissemination of accurate, unbiased information to the public.

As Morocco embraces this new era of regulated advertising, stakeholders eagerly anticipate the positive implications for consumer education, industry accountability, and the overall advancement of the nation's healthcare landscape.