MEDICAL ADVERTISING PROHIBITED IN ARMENIA

Arka News Agency, Armenia
Dec 19 2006

YEREVAN, December 18. /ARKA/. The advertising of medicines and methods
of treatment was prohibited in Armenia on December 16, 2006.

Chairman of the Armenian Medical Association Parunak Zenvelyan said
that the order of licensing the advertising of medicines, medical
equipment and methods of treatment was approved by the RA Government.

He pointed out that the Government-approved order is most topical
and meets public interests.

"Public attention should be focused on the execution of this decision,
and necessary mechanisms should be elaborated," he said.

Zenvelyan added that the order will allow advertising without violation
of ethical standards.

Zelvelyan also believes that the RA Ministry of Health must form a
commission to make examinations and grant the advertising right.

The order specifically prohibits the advertising of methods of
treatment not approved by modern medical science.

The advertisers are supposed to be licensed to distribute medicines,
medical equipment and treatment.