Violations of Laws on Advertisement of Health Products by Pharmacies in Chonburi with a History of Such Offenses

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the violation of laws on advertising of health products by pharmacies in Chonburi Province that had a history of such offences. Methods: This survey study was conducted in 156 modern pharmacies (type 1) in Chonburi that had a history of legal misconduct in advertising health products in pharmacies. The study collected data from the inspection results of Good Pharmacy Practice during the fiscal year 2018-2021. The judging on legal violation of advertising statements on health products was done by three experts in health product law. Results: Among 156 pharmacies with a history of legal misconduct relating to advertising, 129 advertised health products in their stores. 120 of which were judged as legally wrong (93.02% of pharmacies that advertised). Among a total of 284 advertisements, 234 were legally wrong (82.39%). The most violated law was the Food Act, B.E. 2522 with 232 offenses, followed by the Herbal Products Act, B.E. 2562 with 119 offenses, the Drug Act, B.E. 2510 with 89 offenses and the Medical Device Act B.E. 2551 with 24 offenses. The most common type of advertising media was printed materials (144 pieces or 50.70%). The most common sources of media were self-production by pharmacy owners and/or practicing pharmacists (174 pieces or 74.36%). Conclusions: Legal violations of advertising of health products was still found in pharmacies that had a history of legal misconduct on advertising, which may affect the safety of consumers Therefore, Food and Drug Administration should provide access to databases on product registration, advertising approval and detailed information on labels of all registered products for officials in upcountry, drug store owners and consumers in order to timely check the legality of health product advertisements.