Days after the Karnataka Medical Council (KMC) announced its stance against online consultation platforms, the Tamil Nadu Medical Council of India (TNMCI) has also made a similar decision. On Wednesday, the council issued an official statement stating that registered medical practitioners (RMPs) could not advertise their services online.
“As per the Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics Regulation notification clause 6.1.1 of the Medical Council of India, it is misconduct for a RMP to advertise about themselves, their practice, qualifications, associations, affiliations, honours, and skills in order to solicit patients and professional gain. (except for formal announcement for a short period as exempted in said clause). The Online-advertisements in various websites promoting such activity commercially shall be considered misconduct and will attract appropriate action by the State Medical Council. Display of photographs are also not permissible,” reads the letter signed by the TNMCI registrar.
It further goes on to condemn the actions of anyone who engages in online advertising practices, which are not permitted by the rules.
This has led to speculation within the medical community as to whether doctors will be allowed to list their practices on online consultation and appointment booking apps. Earlier, the Karnataka Medical Council had termed online consultations ‘unethical’ and sought for such apps to be banned.
A code of conduct — a list of ethical practices which all doctors must adhere to, has been listed by the Medical Council of India (MCI) on their website. The KMC has raised eyebrows over the usage of online platforms citing that providing consultations online was in direct violation of the rules.
However, other doctors and members from the healthcare community feel that there lies great potential in using such a platform to reach patients. Stating that technology helps save time when seeing a doctor or patient, these people support the use of online consultation platforms which are designed to bring instant diagnosis and treatment to a person.