Medical Council Imposes Strict Advertising Restriction: Doctors Barred from Commercial Promotion
Medical Council Advertising Restriction
3rd December 2025, Kathmandu
The Nepal Medical Council (NMC) has issued a crucial directive. Doctors are now barred from using their professional names and degrees for commercial promotional purposes.
Medical Council Advertising Restriction
This new Medical Council Advertising Restriction directly addresses concerns about the unethical use of medical credentials in business advertisements, particularly by educational consultancies. This move reinforces the ethical standards governing the medical profession in Nepal.
NMC’s Directive on Commercial Use
The NMC released a press statement regarding this matter. It clearly instructs all registered doctors. They must not allow the use of their name, photograph, or professional degree.
These materials cannot appear on signboards, brochures, pamphlets, or similar promotional items. The restriction specifically targets commercial advertising by consultancies and other businesses.
This step ensures that a doctor’s credentials maintain their professional integrity, separated from purely business interests.
Why the Restriction Was Necessary
The council stated that it had received complaints. These complaints concerned educational consultancies. They were found to be using doctor’s credentials to advertise their services.
Such practices are misleading to the public. They also blur the line between professional medical practice and commercial activities.
The NMC took swift action to stop this inappropriate commercialization of the medical profession. The directive aims to protect the public and uphold the dignity of the profession.
The Code of Ethics and Legal Consequences
This directive is not arbitrary. It is firmly rooted in the existing professional guidelines. Specifically, the action aligns with Clause 5A of the NMC’s Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2017. This code outlines the expected behavior and professional boundaries for registered medical practitioners.
Advertisement
The NMC is urging all doctors to comply strictly with this ethical code. Doctors must avoid any action that violates the provisions of the code.
The council stressed the seriousness of non-compliance. Any doctor who breaches the Medical Council Advertising Restriction or other clauses of the code will face consequences. The NMC has warned that violations will lead to penalties and punishment according to existing law.
Impact on Digital and Promotional Material
While the directive mentions traditional materials like pamphlets and signboards, its spirit extends to the digital realm. The ICTFrame community should note the potential implications for online presence.
Doctors should ensure their names and degrees are not improperly featured on websites, social media, or digital advertisements for consultancies. Digital promotional campaigns must also respect this ethical code. The use of a doctor’s image or credentials in a commercial context is now under strict scrutiny.
Upholding Professional Integrity
The primary goal of the NMC’s instruction is to maintain professional integrity. A doctor’s degree is a testament to their expertise and dedication.
It should not be treated merely as a marketing tool. The council is actively ensuring that the public’s trust in medical professionals is preserved. This strict advertising restriction serves as a strong reminder.
Medical practitioners must prioritize ethics and professional conduct over commercial gain. This directive supports the highest standards of healthcare practice and professional transparency across the nation. All doctors are advised to remain vigilant and comply fully with the council’s mandate to avoid legal consequences.
Conclusion
The Nepal Medical Council’s directive is a significant move toward regulating the ethical conduct of doctors in commercial settings. By enforcing the Medical Council Advertising Restriction, the NMC protects both the public and the integrity of the medical profession.
Strict adherence to the Code of Ethics and Professional Conduct 2017 is mandatory for all registered practitioners to prevent legal consequences.
For more: Medical Council Advertising Restriction
