Which announcements are permitted?
Clause 8.2 ii permits a formal announcement:
- On starting practice
- On change of type of practice
- On changing address
- On temporary absence from duty
- On resumption of another practice
- On succeeding to another practice
- Public declaration of charges
What limits apply to offers, claims and fees?
Any lawful disclosure of charges, packages or fees shall be factual, transparent and not misleading (clause 8.1 x).
- Discounts, limited-period offers, contests, coupons, gifts, cashbacks, referral benefits, free procedures or similar inducements in a manner likely to encourage unnecessary consultation, investigation or treatment, or that amounts to solicitation of patients (clause 8.1 x).
- Comparative claims such as "best", "No.1", "leading", "most trusted", "top", "number one" or "unmatched", unless objectively verifiable (clause 8.1 ix).
- Self-photograph on the letterhead or signboard of a consulting room or clinical establishment (clause 9.2).
Questions
- Can a doctor announce the opening of a new practice?
- Yes. Clauses 8.2 ii and 9.3 permit a formal announcement on starting practice that is factual, non-promotional and limited in scope.
- Can consultation fees be announced?
- Clause 9.3 includes public declaration of consultation fees. Clause 8.1 x says any lawful disclosure of charges, packages or fees shall be factual, transparent and not misleading.
Sources
Rules change. Check the latest notice from the National Medical Commission, the National Dental Commission or your State Council before you act.