Tamil Nadu’s state medical council has instructed doctors to withdraw all forms of online advertisements before June 1 or face disciplinary action including suspension. Details include display of names, addresses, degrees, photos and telephone numbers.
The state medical council has directed doctors to withdraw all online advertisements, including those that display their names, address, degrees, photographs and telephone numbers, before June 1 or face disciplinary action including suspension.
The council this past Wednesday decided it would start its own online directory to help people locate doctors. Council President Dr. K Senthil said to the press, “This is not a paid facility and the names will be listed in alphabetical order under each speciality.”
The decision was taken after the council found most doctors paying a premium to have their names appear on the top 10 list on many online directories. This is a violation of the Code of Ethics Regulations (2002). The Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics Regulations 2003 prohibit the doctors from advertising directly or indirectly. Any form of attention drawn to one self’s professional position, skills, qualification and affiliations is not accepted. The council has seen many complaints raised on doctors advertising on the web, with some websites even giving reviews on doctors. Dr. Senthil is of the opinion that, while western countries might allow it, India doesn’t permit this practice.
A monitoring committee will start reporting names of doctors violating the regulations from June 1 and doctors found guilty will have to appear before a disciplinary committee. Recommended punishments and possible suspension of licenses will be handed out at these hearings. Doctors are however, allowed to announce- start of practice, change of practice type, change of address, temporary absence from duty and resumption of another practice. Soliciting of practice is strictly prohibited and as such printing photographs on bill boards isn’t allowed.
The council had earlier pulled up doctors who advertised on billboards and other media. Some where suspended, while others were let off after submitting written apologies. The proposed online directory would serve the dual purpose of providing doctors information to patients and also allowing the council to maintain updated records on doctors.
