In the last six months, the Uttarakhand Medical Council (UKMC) has issued notices to 41 doctors for violating ‘Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics Regulations, 2002′, by agreeing to appear in advertisements on hoardings, banners, and newspapers. UKMC has ordered these doctors to undergo 150 hours of continuing medical education to revive the ethics of the medical profession.

The council stated that if doctors were found flouting the notices, severe action by the council ranging from fine to suspension, including legal action against the person would be taken. The Uttarakhand Medical Council made it clear that such an advertisement could lead to the suspension of licenses of individuals as well. 

Dr. DD Choudhury, member secretary of the ethical & Disciplinary Committee of UKMC stated that “a single doctor is claiming to treat multiple specialties on hoardings. This is unsettling. Hospitals using doctors′ photos as a tool for advertising and marketing is unacceptable as per the ethics of the Indian Medical Council. Hence, Doctors are advised not to use their photos in advertisements.”