Chapter 4 of the Indian Medical Council (Professional conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, outlines the responsibilities of physicians toward each other and states as follows: “A physician should consider it as a pleasure and privilege to render gratuitous service to all physicians and their immediate family dependants”.

“4.2 Conduct in consultation: In consultations, no insincerity, rivalry or envy should be indulged in. All due respect should be observed towards the physician in-charge of the case and no statement or remark be made, which would impair the confidence reposed in him. For this purpose no discussion should be carried on in the presence of the patient or his representatives.”