In a significant move to regulate the online conduct of medical professionals, the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council (JKMC) has issued detailed guidelines outlining acceptable behavior for Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) on social media platforms.
Recognizing social media as a powerful tool for communication, the Council stressed the importance of preventing its misuse—particularly in ways that could compromise patient privacy, confidentiality, or the professional integrity of medical practitioners.
The official order (JKMC/S/Social-M/2025/5723-5740), dated July 24, 2025, has been issued in accordance with the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002.
Key Guidelines:
No Advertising or Self-Promotion:
Doctors are strictly prohibited from advertising their services or engaging in self-promotion. This includes sharing personal images, making exaggerated claims about their skills, or purchasing likes and rankings on digital platforms. Hospitals and clinics may only share essential institutional information.
Strict Patient Confidentiality:
RMPs must not post any patient-related content—such as photographs, medical records, or testimonials—without prior, informed, and explicit consent. The Council noted that consent is invalid if the patient is mentally or emotionally compromised at the time of giving it.
Professional Boundaries:
Doctors have been instructed to refrain from prescribing medications or discussing specific treatment plans on public online forums. However, they are permitted to share educational content, provided it is factual, evidence-based, and relevant to their field of expertise.
Clear Prohibitions:
The guidelines strictly prohibit the display of treatment results, surgical procedures, or patient images. Doctors are also barred from endorsing medical products, drugs, or services. Any form of direct or indirect solicitation of patients through digital platforms is not allowed.
Recommended Best Practices:
The Council has encouraged doctors to uphold high standards of professionalism online. Content shared should be responsible, respectful, and must not compromise the dignity of the medical profession. While using social media for public health awareness is allowed, it must be done ethically, without self-promotion, and based on credible evidence.
Strict Enforcement:
The JK Medical Council warned that any violation of these rules will be considered a breach of the Professional Conduct Regulations, 2002. Offenders may face disciplinary actions, including the suspension of their medical license.
“The overarching principle remains rooted in medical ethics—ensuring all communication is respectful, truthful, and professionally appropriate,” the Council stated in its official notification.
