MUSCAT: Healthcare providers and online marketers in Oman could face fines of up to RO 1,000 and licence cancellation for misleading health advertisements, the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has warned.
In a notice covering promotion through websites and social media, the ministry urged healthcare providers, marketers and social media promoters to avoid exaggerated claims, unsupported promises and misleading information when advertising health products and services.
It highlighted potentially misleading descriptions such as “the best”, “the safest” and “miracle”, alongside claims of “100% guaranteed results”, “no side effects”, “immediate results” or a “definitive cure”. Whether such claims constitute a violation depends on their context, the notice said.
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Advertisers must obtain prior approval from the competent authorities for products and services that require authorisation. Promoting healthcare institutions that are not licensed by the relevant authorities is prohibited.
The ministry said advertising content must be clear, accurate and honest, comply with applicable ethical standards and avoid exaggeration. It also cautioned against spreading rumours, biased news or misleading information.
The notice cited Ministerial Resolution No. 619/2022, which regulates marketing and promotional activities.
Under the applicable framework, the competent committee may issue a warning, impose a fine of up to RO 1,000, suspend a licence for up to one year or cancel it.
