Medical Information in the Netherlands: Safeguarding Compliance and Patient Confidence

October 2, 2025

Contact center employee working at a desk and on the phone

Access to trustworthy pharmaceutical information is essential for patient safety and informed decision-making. In the Netherlands, medical information (MI) services are central to this goal, providing healthcare professionals, patients, and caregivers with accurate, non-promotional product knowledge.

Oversight by the Medicines Evaluation Board (College ter Beoordeling van Geneesmiddelen, CBG-MEB), in combination with the Code of Conduct for Pharmaceutical Advertising (CGR) and European Union legislation, ensures that MI is delivered with integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Building on Decades of Experience

With over 25 years supporting pharmaceutical companies across Europe, ProPharma has developed a reputation for excellence in medical information. Our teams in the Netherlands bring scientific expertise and regulatory insight to every inquiry, ensuring that responses meet both local requirements and international standards.

The Range of Questions MI Teams Address

Medical information specialists in the Netherlands handle inquiries that cover a wide spectrum of product-related topics, such as:

  • Composition and excipients, including potential allergens
  • Dosing schedules, pharmacokinetics, and method of administration
  • Storage conditions, stability, and transport concerns
  • Adverse effects, contraindications, and drug interactions
  • Shelf-life and product handling guidance

No matter the subject, the commitment is the same: deliver precise, evidence-based information that supports safe use of medicines.

Ethical Standards and Regulatory Compliance

To maintain public trust, MI teams adhere strictly to Dutch and EU regulations:

  • Responses are strictly factual and non-promotional.
  • Scientific information is provided without offering treatment recommendations.
  • Every interaction reflects ethical principles of transparency, accuracy, and patient focus.

By respecting these boundaries, MI not only ensures compliance with the CGR Code but also strengthens the credibility of pharmaceutical companies in the Netherlands.

A Key Link in Safety and Quality Monitoring

Medical information plays a proactive role in protecting patients beyond simply answering questions:

  • Adverse events (AE) reporting – information received through inquiries is promptly shared with pharmacovigilance colleagues, supporting national and EU safety reporting obligations.
  • Product Quality Complaints (PQCs) – issues related to manufacturing, packaging, or handling are documented and escalated for investigation.

This close collaboration with safety and quality teams reinforces the ongoing commitment to product oversight and continuous improvement.

Protecting Privacy Under GDPR

Patient and healthcare professional inquiries involve sensitive personal data. MI teams in the Netherlands operate under GDPR requirements, ensuring that:

  • Only relevant personal data is collected and stored
  • Data is handled securely and confidentially
  • Retention and deletion policies are strictly followed
  • Privacy protection is built into every process from the outset

This approach guarantees compliance while safeguarding the trust of patients and healthcare professionals.

Medical Information as a Trusted Partner

In the Netherlands, MI is more than an operational function — it is a strategic partner in ensuring safe, compliant, and ethical use of medicines. By combining scientific expertise with regulatory rigor, MI teams help pharmaceutical companies to:

  • Support patient safety with reliable and timely answers
  • Fulfil CGR, CBG-MEB, and EU regulatory obligations
  • Strengthen Pharmacovigilance and product quality systems
  • Guarantee data protection and confidentiality

With decades of experience, ProPharma continues to provide Dutch pharmaceutical companies with trusted MI services that uphold compliance, enhance safety, and foster confidence in the healthcare system.

Our Experts Are Here to Help

ProPharma can support with all the above key considerations to ensure a successful launch in the Netherlands. As a unique partner, ProPharma provide a full range of services and apply a cross-functional approach. These local affiliate services are also provided across Europe, delivered by ProPharma's local experts who possess a deep understanding of both EU and local regulations. By offering end-to-end support, ProPharma helps clients ensure their products meet all necessary requirements throughout the product lifecycle.

For more information on how ProPharma can assist with your needs, contact us today.

TAGS:

September 16, 2024

Leveraging Offshore Excellence: Enhancing Medical Information Services Through Contact Centers in India & the Philippines

As the pharmaceutical landscape in the Japan and Asia-Pacific (JAPAC) region continues to evolve, the demand for efficient, high-quality medical information (MI) services has never been greater. Our...

Hands communicating across a desk while creating projects

November 20, 2023

The Hidden Costs of Project Communication Gaps

Ineffective communication may be a key factor contributing to the challenges in your projects. Communication is a vital aspect of our daily lives, and the success of a project is closely linked to...

November 13, 2013

OIG Signals Importance of Board-Level Compliance Committee in J&J Corporate Integrity Agreement

In the just issued Johnson & Johnson Corporate Integrity Agreement (CIA), the Office of Inspector General (OIG) has, for the second time in less than a year, required that a company maintain a...