The Ministry of Health has uncovered the violation: a horse in a pharmacy sparks controversy on social media.

The Ministry of Health revealed that a violation was detected in one of the pharmacies, after it published an irregular advertisement that included exploiting unconventional means to attract customers. The clip that was widely circulated on social media platforms showed the use of a horse in the advertisement, which was brought into the pharmacy accompanied by a “celebrity,” which sparked mixed reactions and opened the door to discussion about marketing ethics in the health sector.

The discovered violation reflected a clear breach of the policies and controls adopted for health advertisements, as the footage showing celebrities on horseback inside the pharmacy sparked widespread controversy among social media users, and citizens considered the use of such methods not to reflect professional values ​​and not to help in providing accurate information about health products.

The public reacted to the event with mixed opinions. Some considered the use of animals in advertisements unprofessional and contributing to the spread of misinformation about health products. Conversely, others opposed imposing strict restrictions on advertising, arguing that innovative marketing methods could raise awareness and broaden the customer base. Opinions on social media ranged from calls for improved advertising standards to criticisms directed at healthcare facilities.

In contrast, the Ministry of Health called for adherence to professionalism and transparency in the health sector, stressing that this is something that cannot be compromised.

Lawyer Salman Al-Rumali stated that the violation raises several legal issues that must be considered. Advertising in the healthcare sector should emphasize accuracy and credibility, as public health depends directly on information. Using horses in a pharmacy advertisement is a clear transgression of the boundaries set by the Ministry of Health and relevant authorities. He added that this type of marketing not only reflects a lack of compliance with established standards but also carries the risk of misleading the public. Individuals who follow such advertisements, especially when they come from a celebrity, may form a false impression of the nature and quality of the services provided. The law mandates adherence to professional ethics, and the promotion of health products should not rely on controversial methods. Public health must be handled with caution. He continued, stating that the pharmacy in question may face legal consequences ranging from fines to the requirement to issue a pledge to comply with the specified standards. Furthermore, legal action may be taken in cases where consumers are harmed by misleading information.

For his part, lawyer Majed Al-Ahmari revealed that the Ministry of Health had previously established regulations in accordance with the Private Healthcare Institutions Law, which prohibits private healthcare institutions from advertising themselves except within limits that do not conflict with professional ethics. The Ministry also issued a guide to advertising content regulations in the healthcare sector, defining advertising as any visual, audio, written, or visual content intended for marketing or promoting a service, product, name, or idea, whether for a fee or free of charge.