Doctors are not allowed to arbitrarily advertise functional foods on social networks
In response to voters' concerns about many doctors with high academic titles and degrees appearing heavily in advertisements for functional foods and medicines on social networks, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan has officially spoken out.
Many voters in provinces and cities such as Bac Ninh, Tay Ninh, Thai Nguyen... sent their opinions to the 9th session of the 15th National Assembly, reflecting the situation of a series of cases of production and distribution of fake milk, medicine and poor quality functional foods being dismantled by authorities in recent times.
According to voters, these acts not only cause economic damage and violate the law, but also pose a serious threat to public health - especially for young children, pregnant women, the elderly and vulnerable groups.
Ca Mau voters are particularly concerned about the phenomenon of many doctors with high expertise and qualifications becoming representative faces in advertisements for functional foods and medicine, spreading widely on social networks. They requested that authorities take timely preventive measures to avoid causing misunderstandings and distorting standards of ethics.
Responding to the proposal, Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan emphasized: Individuals, including doctors, are not allowed to arbitrarily speak, share or introduce drug and functional foods under the name of medical expertise without permission from competent authorities - even on social networks.
Ms. Lan said that according to the Advertising Law (amended) which will take effect from January 1, 2026, advertising drugs and health protection foods must strictly comply with regulations on content, form, and advertising subjects and must be appraised and licensed by competent authorities.
The law also adds a clear sense of responsibility for those who transmit advertising content including doctors, experts, celebrities, online influencers requiring them to verify their origin, authenticity and take legal responsibility if they cause consumer confusion.
Many doctors and celebrities have been handled
According to the Minister, in recent times, the Ministry of Health has coordinated with the Ministry of Public Security and relevant agencies to organize many inspections and handle untrue advertising activities, including many doctors and celebrities.
In 2023 and 2024 alone, there were more than 150 cases of drug and food advertising violations that were administratively handled, with the total fine exceeding 5 billion VND. At the same time, violating advertising content is also required to be removed from digital platforms, even on cross-border social networks.
Advertising activities in health will be tightened
Ms. Dao Hong Lan said that in the coming time, the Ministry of Health will continue to strengthen inspections and strictly handle acts of taking advantage of medical names to advertise false information. Along with that, the Ministry will coordinate to complete the legal framework and issue specialized guidelines to more closely manage the advertising of drugs and functional foods.
In particular, the Ministry also requested medical examination and treatment facilities, professional organizations and local Departments of Health to strengthen professional ethics education, disseminate legal regulations to the medical team - contributing to protecting the image and reputation of the medical industry, as well as the legitimate rights of the people.
