Minister of Health issues a decision regarding advertising regulations for pharmaceuticals and the regulation of interactions with company representatives at Ministry facilities

- Prohibiting communication with patients or access to their health data, and restricting promotion to uses outside of approved indications

- Banning gifts, personal benefits, incentives, and commissions, and regulating the distribution of pharmaceutical samples through official channels

The Minister of Health, Dr. Ahmed Abdulwahab Al-Awadi, issued a ministerial decision regarding the controls and principles governing the promotion of medicines and medical products, as well as the regulation of interactions with company representatives at Ministry facilities.

In a statement today, the Ministry of Health said the decision regulates company representatives’ visits, requiring them to be scheduled in advance with the approval of the competent authority. It also mandates that representatives hold a valid license to practice as medical representatives for their company, and that visits be confined to meeting rooms and medical education facilities.

News Bulletin

Political News

The Ministry added that the decision prohibits communication with patients or access to their health data, and regulates communication with technical and procurement committees through official channels. It also requires the approval of promotional materials and ensures their content is accurate and balanced.

Furthermore, the decision bans off-label promotion, gifts, personal benefits, incentives, and commissions, and governs scientific activities and sponsorships in accordance with Ministry regulations.

The decision also regulates the distribution of pharmaceutical samples through official channels and stipulates supervisory measures against violations, tailored to their nature and severity.