Srinagar, July 30: Health Department as a whole has issued so many directions to streamline to set right the system for welfare of public but it has been observed that defaulters not bother in many cases.
It is to mention here that private Doctors are charging, consultation charges of their own choice & private hospitals, Nursing Homes, Diagnostic Labs are also charging of their own choice, but Govt has no check on them , needed to be acted upon?
Now, J&K Medical Council today directed registered Doctors to desist from self-promotion and avoid any behaviour that discredits the profession & JKMC president issued a set of guidelines for Doctors’ conduct on social media, stressing responsible content sharing, prohibiting patient solicitations, and warning against posts that could harm professional credibility.
The registered Doctors (RMPs) must not advertise services, claim superiority, or engage in self-promotional activities-e.g., posting self-photographs or publicity on signboards beyond basic details.
It further included, starting practice, change of address, or temporary absence. Hospitals/Nursing homes/Clinics/Laboratories may advertise within prescribed limits laid down by the National Medical Commission, limited to basic institutional details (name, services, staff, facilities, fees).
It added that any breach of these guidelines will be treated as a violation of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002 & it may result in disciplinary actions, including suspension of registration by the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council.
JKMC stated that buying or promoting likes, followers, shares, or paying for higher search rankings is strictly prohibited, and that patient information-including images, scans, treatments, outcomes-must not be disclosed without explicit and informed consent. Consent is invalid if the patient is in a compromised physical, mental, or emotional state. Patient testimonials, endorsements, or reviews cannot be solicited or shared in any case on social media.
As per the guidelines, registered medical practitioners must maintain dignity and avoid behaviour that discredits the profession on any media platform.
JKMC said that no endorsement of products, medicines, or commercial medical services is allowed. No direct or indirect patient solicitation via social media is permitted.
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