NMC’s Guidelines for the Professional Conduct of Registered Doctors

August 14, 2023

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has recently released comprehensive guidelines for the professional conduct of registered doctors in modern medicine. These guidelines cover various aspects of medical practice, including the use of social media, prescription practices, treatment refusal, continuous professional development (CPD), and participation in conferences. Doctors are allowed to use social media to educate and inform, but they must avoid discussing patient specifics and violating patient privacy. They are also prohibited from sharing testimonials or soliciting patients through social media. The guidelines emphasize prescribing generic medicines, except for specific cases, and discourage the use of fixed-dose combinations unless approved. Doctors are given the right to refuse treatment to abusive or non-paying patients, except in emergencies. Continuous professional development is mandated, and doctors must acquire 30 credit points in their field every five years. Conferences cannot be sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, and doctors must avoid receiving gifts or endorsements from such entities.

What are the guidelines regarding doctors’ use of social media?

Doctors are allowed to share information and announcements online, but it must be accurate and not misleading. Patient-specific information or scans should not be posted, and soliciting patients through social media is considered unethical. Educative content should relate to the doctor’s expertise, and doctors should maintain professionalism when discussing colleagues online.

How do the guidelines address the use of generic medicines?

Doctors are encouraged to prescribe generic medicines, except in cases where narrow therapeutic index drugs are required. The guidelines aim to promote generics’ equivalence to branded drugs and urge pharmacies to stock them. However, concerns exist about availability and quality variations among generic medicines.

Under what circumstances can a doctor refuse treatment?

Doctors can refuse treatment if patients or their family members display abusive or violent behavior. Additionally, if a patient cannot afford the consultation fees, doctors can decline treatment after informing the patient of estimated costs. However, treatment refusal is not applicable during medical emergencies.

What is Continuous Professional Development (CPD), and why is it important according to the guidelines?

CPD is an obligation for doctors to continue learning and updating their skills. The guidelines mandate doctors to undertake training sessions and accumulate credit points every five years. This is vital due to evolving medical practices, emerging diseases like Covid-19, and technological advancements in the field.

How do the guidelines regulate doctors’ participation in conferences?

While doctors are required to undergo CPD, conferences and educational sessions cannot be sponsored by pharmaceutical companies. This regulation aims to prevent potential conflicts of interest or bias that could arise from such sponsorships.

What restrictions do the guidelines place on doctors receiving benefits from pharmaceutical companies?

Doctors and their families are prohibited from accepting gifts, travel facilities, monetary grants, or endorsements from pharmaceutical companies, healthcare establishments, and medical device companies. However, salaries of doctors working for such entities are exempt from this restriction.

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