As per the National Medical Commission (NMC) and the Ethics and Medical Registration Board, the following guidelines, issued on 2nd August 2023, outline the proper use of social media by Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) in India. These rules ensure ethical, professional, and transparent communication in the digital age.
- Sharing Information
- RMPs can use social media to provide factual and verifiable information.
- The content must not be misleading, deceptive, or exploitative of patients’ vulnerabilities.
- Avoid Public Discussions on Treatment
- RMPs should refrain from discussing patient treatment or prescribing medication on public social media platforms.
- If approached by a patient on social media, doctors should guide them towards telemedicine consultations or in-person appointments, depending on the situation.
- Patient Privacy
- Posting photographs, scans (e.g., PET/CT scans), or any patient-related imagery on social media is prohibited.
- Such images, once uploaded, become public data and can be misused.
- Professional Conduct
- RMPs should adhere to medical ethics when engaging with colleagues on social media.
- Avoid Paid Promotions
- RMPs must not engage in practices such as purchasing:
- Likes
- Followers
- Higher search rankings
- Avoid registering on apps or platforms that solicit fees for higher ratings or patient leads.
- No Testimonials or Endorsements
- Sharing or requesting patient testimonials, recommendations, or reviews is strictly prohibited.
- No Showcase of Results
- Posting images or videos of healed patients, surgeries, or impressive procedural outcomes is not allowed.
- Educative Material
- RMPs can share educational content aimed at informing the public.
- The content must remain within the scope of the RMP’s expertise.
- Guidelines for Webpages
- The same ethical rules for social media apply to RMP-managed webpages.
- Professional Decorum
- RMPs must maintain dignity, avoid boundary violations, and uphold decorum in all social media interactions.
- No Patient Solicitation
- Soliciting patients directly or indirectly through social media is deemed unethical.
These guidelines emphasize maintaining professionalism, respecting patient privacy, and promoting ethical behavior in the digital space. RMPs should ensure all social media activities align with the principles outlined in the official document.
For Further Reference
For the complete guidelines, download the official document: NMC RMP Conduct Regulations 2023 (PDF)
By following these rules, medical professionals can responsibly navigate social media while prioritizing patient trust and ethical medical practice.
For handling your social media channels, contact us!
(Healthcare digital marketing)
: Dr. Yash Paranjape
Digital Healthcare Marketing Services For Doctors, Clinics & Hospitals
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