The rules around how healthcare providers in Singapore can advertise their services have recently changed. As of 3 January 2022, the Healthcare Services (Advertisement) Regulations that also known as the HCSA Advertising Regulations, officially replaced the older PHMC Advertising Regulations. These updated guidelines introduce clearer standards for promoting healthcare services while ensuring that advertisements remain accurate, responsible, and in the best interest of patients. A medical marketing agency like Fiture Health can help healthcare providers maintain compliance with HCSA advertising regulations on their medical campaign. Gain more insights by reading this article!
Table Of Contents
- Breaking Down the Goal of HCSA Advertising Regulations
- The Difference Between HCSA and PHMC Regulations
- What Healthcare Providers Must Adhere to Under HCSA Regulations
- Common Mistakes to Avoid Under HCSA Regulations
- Collaborate With Fiture Health For Your Medical Advertising Campaign
Breaking Down the Goal of HCSA Advertising Regulations
The HCSA Advertising Regulations outline specific requirements for healthcare providers in Singapore. It regulates that all promotional materials are truthful, ethical, and not deceptive. Established under the Healthcare Services Act (HSA), these regulations apply to all licensed healthcare providers, including medical and dental clinics, healthcare institutions, and allied health service centres. TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) is recognised as an allied health service in Singapore. It is widely practised and accepted as a complementary and alternative healthcare approach. The primary goals of these regulations are:
- Promote transparency and factual accuracy in healthcare advertising.
- Prevent the use of false, misleading, or overstated claims.
- Protect the public from advertisements that may create unnecessary or unwarranted demand for medical services.
The Difference Between HCSA and PHMC Regulations
Prior to the implementation of the HCSA, healthcare advertising was governed by the PHMC Advertising Regulations. With the HCSA now in force, several key differences have emerged:
- It now encompasses all licensed healthcare services, including allied health professionals and telemedicine providers, whereas the PHMC primarily focused on medical and dental clinics.
- The HCSA introduces more comprehensive and specific guidelines regarding acceptable claims, along with tighter enforcement measures.
- The regulations now cover modern digital channels, including the use of social media platforms.
What Healthcare Providers Must Adhere to Under HCSA Regulations
When carrying out medical advertising, healthcare providers must ensure accuracy, uphold professional integrity, and avoid being misleading. However, healthcare providers must carefully consider other key requirements to remain compliant under the HCSA guidelines, including:
- Healthcare providers cannot use patient testimonials or reviews in their advertisements, unlike other sectors.
- Advertising must not create undue urgency or promote the excessive use of medical services.
- Providers must present pricing transparently and clearly communicate any potential risks associated with treatments.
- Photographs suggesting treatment outcomes, such as before-and-after comparisons, are prohibited as they may set unrealistic expectations. But they are allowed to be shown to patients in the clinic when explaining the treatment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid Under HCSA Regulations
Many healthcare providers unintentionally violate the HCSA advertising regulations. To stay compliant, be mindful of these frequent missteps:
- Making Superlative or Unsubstantiated Claims, avoid using terms like “top doctor,” “cutting-edge treatment,” or “guaranteed outcomes,” as these may mislead the public if not backed by objective, verifiable evidence.
- Including Patient Testimonials, even if patients give permission, sharing testimonials is not allowed, as they can create unrealistic expectations or imply guaranteed outcomes.
- Applying Misleading Promotional Tactics, offering time limited deals or discounts that pressure individuals into making quick decisions is not permitted under HCSA guidelines.
Collaborate With Fiture Health For Your Medical Advertising Campaign
Looking for expert support in creating an HCSA-compliant medical advertising campaign? Fiture Health is your trusted healthcare digital marketing partner, with hands-on experience supporting over 65 healthcare brands from medical clinics to pharmaceutical companies. We understand how to run effective medical advertising while staying fully compliant with HCSA regulations. Here’s how we can help your clinic:
- Ensure your medical content and advertising campaigns meet all HCSA requirements
- Create educational, SEO-friendly blog articles that ethically attract and engage patients
- Provide ongoing support to monitor your medical advertising strategies and prevent compliance issues
Let Fiture Health help your medical clinic grow safely, ethically, and effectively. Get in touch with us today!
