The National Medical Commission (NMC) released Guidelines on Ethical Advertising and Public Communication on 6 October 2026. A Medical Dialogues report published on 9 October highlights three points that touch day-to-day clinic marketing: the use of a doctor’s photograph, paid rankings on listing platforms, and what a clinic can still say.
What the report says
Using a doctor’s photograph to self-promote or solicit patients is treated as unethical conduct under the 2002 Ethics Regulations. This includes placing a self-photograph or similar publicity material on a consulting room’s or establishment’s letterhead or signboard. Healthcare platforms that list doctors must not allow paid ranking of doctors and should keep their listing practices transparent.
Factual information is still allowed. Establishments may share verifiable details such as contact information, departments, facilities and fees. A hospital’s directory of its doctors (qualifications, specialty, registration, availability) is treated as a patient-information service rather than advertising. Formal announcements, such as starting practice, changing address, temporary absence or declaring fees, are also permitted. The report does not mention a separate effective date beyond the 6 October release.
What this means for your clinic
One check: pull up your signboard, letterhead, prescription pad, website header and Google Business Profile cover image, and note every place a doctor’s photograph appears for promotion. Then read the guideline text itself or ask your legal adviser which of those placements need to change. Also check whether any listing platform you use sells “featured” or “top-ranked” slots for doctors.
This is a news summary, not legal or medical advice. Rules may be interpreted differently by state councils and the NMC, so confirm with the official document.
Sources: Medical Dialogues, 9 Oct 2026; Medical Dialogues, 7 Oct 2026.
