Poland Lifts 14-Year Pharmacy Advertising Ban with New Restrictions

For the first time since 2012, Poland is lifting its total ban on pharmacy advertising. The total ban on advertising pharmacies and pharmacy outlets, in force since 2012, is to be lifted. The government's draft amendment to the Pharmaceutical Law assumes allowing advertising, but at the same time introducing restrictions that are to set the limits of permitted marketing activities.

The bill has already passed the first reading in the Parliamentary Health Committee and has been referred for further work. During the debate in the Sejm, all clubs announced their support.

Key Proposals

• The change may allow for better information to patients about services provided by pharmacists, including vaccinations, pharmaceutical care, drug reviews and basic diagnostic tests.
• The Civic Coalition submitted four amendments to the bill. One of them is to clarify the ban on using the authority of people with pharmaceutical education or suggesting that they have such education in advertisements. One of the proposed changes is to increase the maximum penalty for violating advertising rules to PLN 1 million.

For expats and foreigners in Poland, this is significant because pharmacists have been expanding their direct-to-patient services, including vaccination administration and health consultations. Better visibility of these pharmacist-led services—especially those offering support in English at international chains—could make it easier for non-Polish speakers to access preventive care and basic health advice without needing a doctor's appointment.

Sources

• Orla.fm — Pharmacy advertising reform news