GMA: Prosecute public advertisers of drugs

The people behind the drug advertisements are motivated by profits and not the health of patients.

The Ghana Medical Association (GMA) has cautioned entities who advertise drugs and treatment in defiance of established laws in the country.

The GMA says such public advertisement of unproven treatment, prevention and remedies for very serious ailments threaten the health and safety of Ghanaians.

This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday, August 23 by the leadership, outlining an example where “such obnoxious and misleading advertisement was in one of the leading newspapers where it is stated that a massage parlour is offering treatment for cancer of the breast, brain, liver, kidneys, lungs, prostate among others in clear breach of the Public Health Act”.

The GMA listed the drugs for ailments which are prohibited to be advertised and cautioned the public to beware since persons who patronize such drugs could endanger their lives.

According to the GMA, the people behind the drug advertisements are motivated by profits and not the health of patients.

They are therefore calling on the relevant authorities to ensure that those who flout the laws are prosecuted.