Are flyers and mailers from nearby clinics allowed? Are we allowed to distribute leaflets containing only the factual details of the licensee’s licensable healthcare service?
Healthcare Services Act(Advertisement) Regulations, Advertising media
No, under the HCS (Advertisement) Regulations (Regulation 6(4)(b)), a licensee and an authorised person (if applicable) must not give or distribute physical advertising material free of charge, such as by inserting brochures, leaflets, and pamphlets etc. into mailboxes, or through push technology such as SMS, MMS, WhatsApp, Facebook messenger and other messaging platforms, without first obtaining prior written consent from the recipients.
MOH takes the view that such information disseminated via push technology or through free distribution may have a possible unwanted soliciting effect.
Related questions
Are licensees allowed to have promotional packages through a referral programme (e.g. family/friends referral)?
What are the approved media allowed for the advertising of the licensee’s licensable healthcare service?
How would the advertising controls affect a non-HCSA licensee who collaborates with a licensee (e.g., a medical device supplier collaborates with a medical/dental clinic) and wishes to advertise its relationship with the licensee?
Can licensees send information and updates to individuals who have consented to receiving such materials?
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