The short answer: doctors in India can share factual information about themselves and their practice, but they cannot promote themselves the way other businesses do. Since 6 October 2026 the National Medical Commission’s Guidelines on Ethical Advertising and Public Communication spell out exactly where the line sits, including for websites, Google profiles, social media and ads.
What a doctor can publish
- Name, qualifications, registration number and specialty.
- Clinic address, timings, phone number and how to book.
- The services offered, described factually.
- Educational content about conditions and procedures, in general terms.
- An accurate Google Business Profile and a factual website.
What a doctor cannot publish
- Patient testimonials or success stories, even with consent.
- Before-and-after photos or advertised surgical results.
- Success rates, “firsts”, superlatives like “best” or “No. 1”, or guaranteed outcomes.
- Discounts, packages or limited-time offers to attract patients.
- Requests for patient reviews, or shared reviews, used as promotion on social media.
What about Google Ads and social media?
The guidelines treat promotional digital content, including search ads, sponsored posts and influencer content, as advertising. Factual information is still allowed, but self-promotion and patient solicitation are restricted, and each electronic-media post should show the doctor’s name, qualifications and registration details. If you run ads, keep them factual and point them to accurate information, not offers.
Do the rules apply to clinics and hospitals?
Yes. The guidelines cover hospitals and medical institutions as well as individual doctors, using the Clinical Establishments Act’s definition, which includes nursing homes and clinics. Dentists are the exception: they are regulated by the National Dental Commission, which has its own rules. See can dentists advertise in India?
What happens if a doctor breaks the rules?
The guidelines set out graded action, enforced through medical councils, which can reach suspension of registration in serious or repeated cases. The safest approach is to review your website, Google profile and social pages now and remove anything on the “cannot publish” list.
Where to start
Read our plain-English guide to the 2026 NMC guidelines for the detail, and our complete guide to digital marketing for doctors for how to grow within them.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Check the NMC’s guidelines and your State Medical Council’s guidance for your situation.
