Archive · 8 Oct 2026
India's New Medical Commission Rules Restrict Doctor Advertising
The National Medical Commission has made new rules about how doctors and hospitals can promote their services.
They cannot use patient stories or celebrity endorsements to attract patients.
They also cannot make claims like “No.
1 doctor” unless those claims can be proven.
Fake likes, reviews, or followers are not allowed.
AI-made promotions are covered by the rules too.
Doctors and hospitals cannot use patient photos or success stories as advertisements.
They also cannot promote treatments that have not been properly proven.
Doctors can still share accurate health information and certain basic updates about their practice.
Violations can lead to penalties, and those facing action can appeal within 60 days.
The National Medical Commission has issued guidelines regulating how doctors, hospitals, and medical institutions promote services.
The rules bar promotional testimonials and endorsements from patients, celebrities, influencers, employees, and other third parties.
Unverifiable claims, misleading success claims, fake engagement, and promotional AI-generated or AI-assisted communications are restricted.
Promotional use of before-and-after photographs, patient cases, unproven therapies, fear-based marketing, and certain offers is prohibited.
Permitted communications include factual health education and specified practice announcements; penalties can include suspension of registration, with appeals available within 60 days.
- Who
- The National Medical Commission, doctors, hospitals, and medical institutions.
- What
- New guidelines regulate advertising and promotion of medical services.
- When
- The articles do not specify when the guidelines were introduced.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- The guidelines set limits on promotional claims and practices, including misleading advertising and fake engagement.
- Regulator
- National Medical Commission (NMC)
- Scope
- Advertising and promotional communication by doctors, hospitals, and medical institutions
- Promotional testimonials
- Patient, celebrity, influencer, employee, and third-party endorsements are prohibited for promotion
- Claims
- Claims such as “No. 1 doctor” or “guaranteed cure” are not allowed unless objectively verifiable
- AI communications
- AI-generated and AI-assisted communications are covered when they have a promotional character
- Permitted content
- Factual health education, academic discussions, government health campaigns, and certain formal practice announcements
- Appeal period
- An appeal to the NMC Ethics and Medical Registration Board may be made within 60 days