Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Medicines in New Zealand: Consultation Document

Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Medicines in New Zealand: Consultation Document
Date of publication: March 2006

ISBN 0-478-29909-5
ISBN 0-478-29910-9

HP 4212

Citation: Ministry of Health. 2006. Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Medicines in New Zealand: Consultation Document. Wellington: Ministry of Health.

Introduction

The Ministry of Health is inviting submissions on a consultation document that sets out options for the regulation of direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medicines (DTCA) in New Zealand.

The purpose of the document is to review the policy debate on DTCA as it relates to New Zealand. The policy debate provided is not exhaustive but brings together the main issues and findings, which form a basis for comment by interested individuals and agencies on the future of DTCA in New Zealand.

DTCA policy in New Zealand is a contentious issue, and the adequacy of the current legislative and self-regulatory controls governing DTCA is a matter of public debate. DTCA in New Zealand is currently regulated under the Medicines Act 1981 and Medicines Regulations 1984. The Therapeutic Products Bill is set to repeal this legislation with the establishment of the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Authority.

Regardless of the decision on the future regulation of DTCA in New Zealand, it is proposed that the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Advertising Code come into force under the Therapeutic Products Authority. The introduction of new legislation to govern DTCA provides a timely opportunity to review DTCA regulations before legislation is introduced.

Following consultation on this document, the Ministry of Health will be providing advice to the Government on policy options for the regulation of DTCA in New Zealand in the future.

Please note: submissions on this document closed on Friday 28 April 2006.

List of submitters to consultation on direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medicines (PDF, 62 kB)

Read question and answers on the review of the regulation of direct-to-consumer advertising of prescription medicines in New Zealand

Document availablity

Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Medicines in New Zealand: Consultation Document is available on this website in PDF and Word format below.

Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Medicines in New Zealand: Consultation Document (Word, 211 kB)
Direct-to-Consumer Advertising of Prescription Medicines in New Zealand: Consultation Document (PDF, 238 kB)

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