Digital advertising of medical devices

The Government of Catalonia has launched a program called "PubSanDi" to increase control of advertising of medical devices, cosmetics and products with alleged therapeutic purposes on websites, social media, e-commerce pages and other digital media used by companies marketing them with registered offices in Catalonia or that can be accessed by the citizens of Catalonia. Its ultimate goal is to promote quality of information and advertising of medical devices and cosmetics.

Some key takeaways from this initiative:

• The program will last for three years and will have a wide scope of action, potentially affecting national campaigns that are accessible from Catalonia or local campaigns by companies headquartered in Catalonia.
• The program will monitor, identify, control and inspect digital advertising, as well as issue guidelines, providing training and information, and combating illegal or fraudulent practices.
• The program is a response to the rapid development of the digital world and the new challenges and risks posed by online advertising and sale of health-related products.
• The program will be integrated into the General Directorate of Health Planning and Regulation (Direcció General d'Ordenació i Regulació Sanitària).