Ban on drug adverts not targeted at media

Sunyani, Sept 19, GNA - Mr Joseph Yaw-Bernie Bennie, Zonal Officer in charge of Ashanti and Brong-Ahafo regions of the Food and Drug Board (FDB), on Monday said the temporary ban on drug advertisement was not a ban on the sale of herbal drugs.

He explained that the Board and the Ministry of Health recognised the role herbal medicine played in the country's healthcare delivery system.

Mr Bennie was addressing, herbal institutions, pharmaceutical groups and other stakeholders at a forum on the temporary ban on drug advertisement in Sunyani.

He expressed concern about the alarming rate of exaggerations, half truths, outright lies and unsubstantiated claims in the advertisement of drugs and said it was against this background that the Board announced the ban.

"Healthcare delivery is a specialised field. The real and genuine health needs of the people are being exploited for the economic and indeed self-centered interest of a few people. This situation cannot be allowed to persist."

Mr. Yaw Kwarteng, Head of Import and Export Services of FDB, expressed concern about the flouting of the ban by some media houses especially the television stations.

He said adverts on drugs had reduced by 80 percent and commended the F.M. stations and some print media houses for their compliance. Mr. Kwarteng cautioned that the Board would not compromise its stance and would ensure that those who contravened the law are brought to book. 19 Sept 06