The NMC's guidelines cover communications that directly or indirectly promote medical services, including social media and WhatsApp where the communication meets that definition (cl. 3.2, 3.5).
What the notice says
The notice permits public health education in a doctor's own name and designation, provided it does not promote the practice, solicit patients or earn from promotional marketing (cl. 5.1; 8.2 iii).
It also states that electronic posts by doctors should show their name, qualifications, registration status and registration number (cl. 3.2 Expl. III, IV).
Doctors must not request or share patient testimonials or reviews for promotion on social media (cl. 3.2 Expl. V). Fake, paid or misleading reviews and testimonials are also barred for doctors and hospitals.
What it means in practice
Before publishing a post, consider its purpose. An educational explanation of a health topic is different from a communication designed to solicit patients or promote a practice.
Review captions, videos, stories, shared posts and WhatsApp messages for promotional claims, testimonials, patient images and calls that could amount to solicitation. A disclaimer or patient consent should not be treated as automatic permission.
Include the required professional identification in electronic posts. Protect patient identity and avoid claims about guaranteed cures, success rates or superiority (cl. 8.1 iii; 6.1, 6.4, 7.4).
What is still allowed?
Public health education remains permitted under the notice's conditions. Formal announcements, including starting practice, address changes, temporary absence, resumption of practice and publicly declared fees, are also identified as permitted (cl. 5.1; 8.2 iii; 8.2 ii; 9.3).
This does not mean every post about a medical topic is automatically educational. Purpose and context still matter.
Related reading: NMC advertising guidelines 2026 · Social Media Marketing · Content Marketing
Source: NMC Public Notice No. R-13014/01/2024-Ethics, 6 October 2026. General information, not legal advice. Last checked: 15 October 2026.