NMC glossary · Money, offers and third parties
Paid Ranking Of Doctors: What It Means Under The NMC Rules
Also searched as: Paid listings, Platform ranking, Doctor directory ranking
All healthcare platforms that host RMPs must follow the NMC’s ethical advertising norms, must prohibit paid ranking of doctors, and must keep their listing practices transparent.
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 | Paid ranking of doctors (also searched as Paid listings, Platform ranking, Doctor directory ranking) | Medmatis |
| In the notice | Not defined by the notice; this entry explains how the notice uses it. | NMC notice of 6 Oct 2026, cl. 9.4 |
| Applies to | Healthcare platforms hosting doctors | 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 9.4 is a duty on the platforms, not on a doctor’s own website. It asks them to comply with the notice, to prohibit paid ranking of doctors, and to be transparent in how they list.
It is easy to confuse with search engine optimisation, but the two are different: SEO on your own site is dealt with by clause 8.1 (xii) and the general rules on advertising.
What it does not mean
- It does not say a doctor’s own search optimisation is paid ranking. The clause is addressed to healthcare platforms that host RMPs.
- It does not tell a doctor whether it is safe to pay a platform for a higher position. A doctor who is considering it should take advice first.
The notice’s own words
Quoted from the NMC notice of 6 October 2026. Check the clause number against the original.
cl. 9.4All healthcare platforms hosting RMP shall ensure compliance with NMC ethical advertising norms, prohibition of paid ranking of doctors, maintain transparency in listing practices.
Our plain-language guide to the whole notice → Check your own text against these rules →
Frequently asked questions
Does this ban SEO for doctors?
No. Clause 9.4 is about healthcare platforms hosting RMPs and paid ranking of doctors. Manipulating rankings or visibility to create a misleading impression of professional standing is dealt with separately (cl. 8.1 xii).
Who must follow clause 9.4?
All healthcare platforms hosting RMPs (cl. 9.4).
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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