A petition submitted by campaigner and publicist Aly Cook has called for a nationwide ban on all pharmaceutical advertising across New Zealand media.
The petition proposes that pharmaceutical companies be prohibited from promoting medicines directly to consumers through television, radio, newspapers, magazines, billboards, and online platforms.
The petition highlights New Zealand’s unique stance as one of only two high-income countries—alongside the United States—that allows unrestricted direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising. This form of advertising includes both the name of the drug and its intended use, directly informing consumers about branded medications.
The petitioner argues that medical professionals, not advertisers, should be responsible for informing patients about treatment options.
“I believe it should be the place of medical professionals to offer informed consent and prescribe medicine for their patients,” Cook states, suggesting that the current approach might influence patients to request specific drugs rather than relying on expert medical advice.
The petition is open until 30 March 2025, and can be signed online here.
GREAT IDEA.
Yep medicines should be prescribed by doctors, not advertised. Generally I support open free expression but this one of those rare exceptions.
Signed and shared. Thank you Daily Telegraph for providing the choice
Ban all pharmaceutical advertising and ban all vaccines