Theraputic Goods Advertising Code to change – immediately

The Australian Government will take immediate steps to amend the Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code to stop health professionals, including doctors, endorsing therapeutic products in advertisements direct to consumers.

In August 2005, on the recommendation of the Interim Advertising Council, which had been established to develop a trans Tasman advertising scheme, amendments were made to the Code to allow health professionals to endorse non-prescription medicines and medical devices direct to consumers.

However, the Government along with many health and consumer organisations, including the Australian Medical Assocation, believes that it is entirely inappropriate for health care professionals to be lending their support to health products. This could lead to consumers thinking these products are superior to similar medicines on the market.

The Therapeutic Goods Advertising Code Council was asked to look at this issue,and it has recommended that this practice be banned.

“This section of the Advertising Code is to be amended as soon as possible in the best interests of consumers, who should not be inappropriately influenced through endorsements by doctors and other health professionals.”