Higher Penalties for Misleading Claims in Advertisements of Health Products and Services

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Health whether the Ministry will consider higher penalties for such false and misleading claims in advertisements of health products and services so as to protect the interest of consumers.

The Ministry of Health regulates advertisements of health products and services to protect consumers from false and misleading claims that may put their health at risk.

Under the Health Products Act (HPA), any false and misleading advertisements will be liable to a maximum penalty of $20,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.

Some health products, including Chinese Proprietary Medicines and Traditional Medicines, are currently regulated under the Medicines Act (MA). The maximum penalty for any false and misleading advertisements under the MA is a $5,000 fine, imprisonment of up to two years, or both.

We intend to amend the legislation to move the regulation of Chinese Proprietary Medicines and Traditional Medicines from MA to HPA. The higher penalties under HPA will apply once the move is completed. We are also reviewing the Private Hospitals and Medical Clinics Act to enhance the regulation of health services advertisements by healthcare institutions.