Doctors under ASCI scanner

Medical Council of India backs ASCI to take action against doctors violating the Medical Code of Ethics Regulations

BestMediaInfo Bureau | Mumbai | September 22, 2014

Medical Council of India (MCI) has asked Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) to take action against doctors whose advertisements violate the Medical Code of Ethics Regulations, 2002. In its letter, The Ethics Committee of MCI has strongly backed ASCI for its efforts and self-regulatory mechanism of ensuring ethical advertising practices.

ASCI has observed and processed a large number of complaints of healthcare products, services and clinic advertisements which have mentions and promotions of doctors. As per MCI rules, doctors cannot promote themselves in advertisements. As an immediate action, ASCI reported to MCI a list of such doctors who were resorting to advertisements in newspapers and on television and also making misleading, false and unsubstantiated claims.  As a response, MCI has directed ASCI to send them a state-wise list of Allopathic doctors registered with MCI/SMC (State Medical Councils), who have been advertising their products or services, so that appropriate action can be taken.

MCI has also directed ASCI to refer to the Indian Medical Registry for obtaining details of doctors making misleading claims in their advertisements and have instructed SMC to further investigate and take action against doctors who do not follow the Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette & Ethics) Regulations, 2002, within a period of six months. This would help MCI to take required action in accordance with the code of Medical Ethics. MCI also sought help from ASCI to report advertisements by fake doctors to appropriate law enforcing authorities of the country.

Narendra Ambwani

Narendra Ambwani, Chairman, ASCI, said, “This is an important landmark for ASCI in our efforts towards protecting consumers from misleading advertising. MCI has been very supportive and has advised ASCI to ensure strict action against Allopathic doctors who malign the image of medical professionals and violate the Medical Code of Ethics.”

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