It is Necessary to Change the Laws: Arsen Torosyan

Auroranews reported yesterday that there are periodic videos appearing on various social platforms, promoting clinics, pharmacies, and various medications providing services in our country. However, these promotional videos lack mentions of the licenses of these clinics or pharmacies, as well as advertising permits issued by the Armenian Ministry of Health. This is a gross violation of the advertising conditions established by the Ministry of Health, resulting in several medical institutions and companies operating illegally in our country. There are numerous examples that are flourishing due to the inaction of the Ministry of Health.

“Due to changes in social platforms, it has become extremely difficult to control advertisements. Yes, we have very strict requirements for advertisements on television and other media, and these are easy to monitor. But when countless websites and users post ads on social networks, the problem becomes much more complex. We continue to conduct monitoring in the licensing department through search methods, and when violations are detected, we approach supervisory bodies. But in general, this issue is relevant not only in Armenia but in various countries around the world,” said the Minister of Health Anahit Avanesyan yesterday.

Today, Auroranews spoke with Arsen Torosyan, a member of the ruling My Step faction in the National Assembly and former Minister of Health, about the existing problems and their solutions. “Yes, there is such a problem, and it is necessary to change the laws and make them more modern,” Torosyan said. He also mentioned that he will probably initiate the process of amending the law. “I will probably initiate it, but I cannot specify exact timelines at this moment,” Torosyan added.

Currently, it seems that television companies and other media are under strict control by the Ministry of Health, and every detail is examined under a microscope, while the situation on social networks is utterly chaotic.