Tamil Nadu Medical Council has issued notice to a few doctors and hospitals in Coimbatore for releasing advertisements in the media that are seen as blatant violation of Tamil Nadu Medical Council, Code of Medical Ethics (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations of 2003.
The notice has come in now, taking cognizance of certain advertisements. The notice signed by the Registrar has observed that “advertisements are intended for the purpose of obtaining patients and to promote your (doctor/hospital) professional skill, knowledge and service and direct the attention of the public to them (doctors/hospitals).”
The Code of Medical Ethics prevents any medical practitioner from making tall promises and offering assured cure for ailments and is also aimed at preventing hospitals and medical practitioners from projecting them as experts in the field of any medicine and thereby deceiving the public. Referring to some advertisements by a medical practitioner, the Registrar, in his notice, has observed that publication of such an advertisement is contrary to public interest, unethical and discreditable to the medical profession and has gone to caution the medical practitioner that his name is liable to be erased from the Medical Register on proof of facts. The same is being contemplated under provisions of sections 6.1, 6,.2, read with 7.11 and 8.1 to 8.5 of the Tamil Nadu Medical Council Code of Medical Ethics (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations of 2003.
The medical practitioner has been asked to offer explanation within 15 days from the receipt of the notice. With regard to the advertisements placed in violation of professional ethics by the hospitals, the notice adds that the Medical Council executive committee, scheduled to meet shortly, will decide on the action to be initiated against such hospitals.
The notice also says that as per Chapter 7.12 of the Regulations, any advertisement should only contain the name of the institution, types of patients admitted, facilities offered and the fee charged.
