NMC glossary · Claims and promotion
Comparative Claim: What It Means Under The NMC Rules
Also searched as: Best doctor, Number one, Leading, Top, Most trusted, Superlative
Claims such as “best”, “No.1”, “leading”, “most trusted”, “top”, “number one” or “unmatched” are barred unless objectively verifiable, based on a transparent and independently ascertainable method, and otherwise permissible under the law.
Updated 7 November 2026. Reviewed by Tamojit Lodh, Founder of Medmatis. Built around the NMC's Public Notice No. R-13014/01/2024-Ethics of 6 October 2026. Not legal advice.
Key facts, with sources
Hide the 4 key facts and their sourcesShow the 4 key facts and their sources
| Fact | Detail | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Term | Comparative Claim (also searched as Best doctor, Number one, Leading) | Medmatis |
| In the notice | Not defined by the notice; this entry explains how the notice uses it. | NMC notice of 6 Oct 2026, cl. 8.1 (ix), cl. 3.2, Explanation II |
| Applies to | Doctors (RMPs) and hospitals/medical institutions | NMC notice of 6 Oct 2026 |
| In force | From 6 October 2026, with immediate effect. The NMC may issue clarifications and advisories (cl. 12). | NMC notice of 6 Oct 2026 |
In plain words
Clause 8.1 (ix) names the words and then adds “or similar superiority claims”, so “finest”, “foremost” or “unrivalled” are in the same group. It applies to both RMPs and hospitals/medical institutions.
The claim is not banned outright. It needs three things together: it can be objectively verified, the method is transparent, and the method is independently ascertainable. A clinic’s own opinion of itself does not meet that test.
What it does not mean
- It does not apply only to the exact words listed. “Similar superiority claims” are covered.
- It does not tell you what a satisfactory method would be. The notice sets the standard but gives no examples of a method that passes it.
Best dentist in Kolkata, Number 1 hospital in the city.
Illustrative wording only. It shows the idea and is not a clearance of any page.
The notice’s own words
Quoted from the NMC notice of 6 October 2026. Check the clause number against the original.
cl. 8.1 (ix)No RMP or hospital/medical institution shall make comparative claims such as "best", "No.1", "leading", "most trusted", "top", "number one", "unmatched" or similar superiority claims unless the claim is objectively verifiable, based on a transparent and independently ascertainable methodology and is otherwise permissible under applicable law. Provided, Any ranking or award relied upon in advertising shall be capable of independent verification, and material conditions, methodology and relevant date, details of award giving organization or firm shall be disclosed where necessary to avoid misleading the public.
cl. 3.2, Explanation IIInformation regarding availability or installation of equipment, technology, diagnostic facilities or services may be disseminated as factual information, provided that such communication does not contain claims of superiority, guaranteed accuracy, guaranteed outcomes, comparative claims or other misleading or unverifiable representations.
Our plain-language guide to the whole notice → Check your own text against these rules →
Frequently asked questions
Can a clinic call itself the best?
Only if the claim is objectively verifiable, rests on a transparent and independently ascertainable methodology and is otherwise permissible (cl. 8.1 ix). A clinic’s own view of itself does not meet that standard.
Is “top-rated” a comparative claim?
It can be. “Top” is one of the named words, and the clause also covers “similar superiority claims” (cl. 8.1 ix). A rating you rely on is also subject to the ranking-or-award rule.
This entry explains a public notice in plain language and quotes its clause numbers. It is not legal advice. Read the original NMC notice and take advice on your own situation.
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