Public Awareness of Medicines Through Media is Advertising

During the discussion on the draft law on amendments to the Republic of Armenia’s law "On Medicines," Arpi Davoyan, a member of the Health and Social Affairs Standing Committee, reported that a change has been proposed in the committee. It is suggested to remove the first article that addresses advertising.

She stated that this could lead to unjustified monopolies. It was deemed inappropriate to conduct public awareness regarding medicines provided under state-targeted programs with prescriptions. Prescription medications can only be prescribed by healthcare professionals; therefore, advertising them becomes meaningless.

Davoyan pointed out that there is also a non-legal formulation in the second article. MP Kristine Poghosyan from the “My Step” faction voiced, “At the time of presenting the draft, there was constant reference to 'public awareness.’ However, we understand that this is advertising. Besides advertising, the greatest danger is also the creation of a state monopoly. You can discuss medications through the media, giving a preferential position to the manufacturer or import company.” She agreed with the negative conclusion.

Lusine Badalyan from “My Step” noted that there was no issue with the law itself, but there was a problem with advertising. “We have proposed to remove that point. If someone wants to get information about a medication, nothing prevents them,” she stated. According to the MP, talking about public advertising is meaningless, and public awareness through media is advertising.