NMC bars doctors and hospitals from claims such as "100% success" in advertising
The National Medical Commission has issued guidelines banning exaggerated claims, influencer endorsements, testimonials and discounts in medical advertising, with immediate effect.
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The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued guidelines on advertising by doctors and hospitals, aimed at curbing the growing practice of luring patients with big claims on social media and in advertisements. Many people put their health at serious risk after falling for promises such as "100 per cent success" or "guaranteed cure". The order has come into force with immediate effect.
Under the new order, no hospital or doctor can make exaggerated claims to promote their services. It has been stated that the move will preserve the dignity of the medical profession and protect the public from misleading advertisements. The rules cover newspapers, hoardings and social media platforms such as Instagram and YouTube.
Many doctors turn to celebrities, influencers or paid reviews to raise their popularity. All of this is now completely banned. Doctors also cannot use patient testimonials or recommendations to promote themselves, and asking patients for reviews on social media has been prohibited. Seeking the help of a celebrity, a social media influencer or any third person to promote services has been strictly barred.
According to the guidelines, action will be taken against those who show before-and-after photographs of treatment. Action will also be taken against those who burnish their image through fake likes and views. A doctor's registration can be suspended for violations, and a heavy fine has also been provided for.
No individual or medical institution will now be able to use terms such as "100 per cent success", "guaranteed cure", "miracle cure", "painless treatment" and "number-one specialist". Claims such as "best" or "most trusted" also cannot be made unless proved by scientific or impartial evidence.
Strict action will also be taken against those who use AI-generated advertisements, sponsored posts, fake followers, likes and paid reviews. Promotion of discounts, coupons, cashback or free treatment that tempt people into unnecessary medical tests or treatment has also been banned outright.
