In response to the growing issue of misleading medical advertisements, Alkindy College of Medicine recently hosted a workshop titled “Misleading Medical Advertisements: Risks and Countermeasures.” Organized by the Continuing Education Unit in collaboration with the Legal Division, the event aimed to raise awareness about the dangers of deceptive health claims and equip participants with tools to critically evaluate such content.
Led by Dr. Hazem Abdul Awn, the workshop brought together faculty members, including Dean Professor Dr. Muhammad Shihab Al-Eidani, to discuss how unproven treatments and exaggerated claims endanger public health. These ads often exploit consumer vulnerabilities through fake testimonials, false endorsements, omitted risks, and emotional manipulation.
Participants learned practical steps to protect themselves:
Verify Claims: Check if product claims are supported by credible scientific research.
Consult Experts: Always seek advice from qualified healthcare professionals before adopting new treatments.
Stay Skeptical: Be cautious of ads promising miraculous results—such claims are often unfounded.
The workshop also highlighted the need for stronger regulatory frameworks, such as Iraq’s Consumer Protection Law (No. 1 of 2010), to hold advertisers accountable and safeguard consumers.
Through interactive discussions, attendees emphasized the importance of collective action in combating misleading ads. Public health is a shared responsibility, requiring collaboration among educators, regulators, and the community.
At Alkindy College of Medicine, we remain committed to empowering individuals with the knowledge to make informed health decisions. Together, we can prioritize evidence-based care and build a healthier society.
