NMC glossary · Claims and promotion
Doctor’s Photograph: What It Means Under The NMC Rules
Also searched as: Doctor photo, Signboard photo, Letterhead photo
Using an RMP’s photograph is not permitted where it is self-advertisement, solicitation or promotional publicity. A self-photograph on the letterhead or signboard of a consulting room or clinic is treated as unethical conduct under the 2002 ethics regulations.
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 | Doctor’s Photograph (also searched as Doctor photo, Signboard photo, Letterhead photo) | Medmatis |
| In the notice | Not defined by the notice; this entry explains how the notice uses it. | NMC notice of 6 Oct 2026, cl. 9.2, cl. 9.1, cl. 8.1 (ii) |
| Applies to | Doctors (RMPs) and clinical establishments | 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 9.2 turns on purpose. A photograph used as self-advertisement, solicitation or promotional publicity is not permitted. For letterheads and signboards it points to Regulations 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, and calls a self-photograph there unethical conduct.
The doctor-directory description in clause 9.1 lists names, recognised qualifications, specialties, registration details and availability. It does not list photographs.
What it does not mean
- It does not say a doctor’s photo can never appear anywhere. The test is whether it is self-advertisement, solicitation or promotional publicity.
- It does not stop a doctor appearing in permitted public-health education in their own name and designation (cl. 8.2 iii), though promotional use of image or voice raises separate issues (cl. 8.1 ii).
A directory entry giving the doctor’s name, qualifications, specialty and registration number.
A large portrait of the doctor on the clinic signboard with a tagline about their skill.
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. 9.2Use of the photograph/image of an RMP shall not be permitted; where such use constitutes self-advertisement, solicitation or promotional publicity. In particular, use of self-photograph or similar publicity material on the letterhead or signboard of a consulting room or clinical establishment shall be governed by Regulations 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, and regarded as unethical conduct.
cl. 9.1Clinical Establishments may advertise only factual information, where it is limited to objective and verifiable particulars concerning the establishment, including the name of the establishment, contact details, departments functioning, diagnostic facilities, emergency services, accreditation status, other facilities offered and applicable fees. A hospital website containing a directory of its doctors, containing the names, recognised qualifications, specialties, registration details and availability of its doctors, that serves a patient-information function; shall be regarded materially distinct from a paid or promotional advertise…
cl. 8.1 (ii)Shall not solicit patients directly or indirectly, promote his/her professional services through self-promotion, engage any third party for marketing medical services, permit the use of their name, image, voice, testimonial or endorsement for promotion of services or any products, participate in promotional campaigns giving an impression of commercialization of medical practice.
Our plain-language guide to the whole notice → Check your own text against these rules →
Frequently asked questions
Can a clinic website show the doctor’s photo?
It depends on purpose. The notice does not permit a photograph where it is self-advertisement, solicitation or promotional publicity (cl. 9.2). The directory model in clause 9.1 lists names, qualifications, specialties, registration details and availability, not photographs.
What about the photo on a signboard?
The notice says a self-photograph or similar publicity material on a consulting-room or clinic letterhead or signboard is governed by Regulations 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 of the 2002 ethics regulations and is regarded as unethical conduct (cl. 9.2).
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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