Registered medical practitioners in India are governed by professional conduct regulations that restrict advertising and solicitation. These operate independently of consumer advertising law, so content can satisfy one and violate the other.
Generally permitted
- Factual qualifications, registration number, specialisation and years of experience
- Practice details: address, timings, contact, appointment booking
- Educational content about conditions and treatments, written to inform
- Announcements of a new practice, relocation or changed timings
- Accurate information about facilities and equipment available
Generally prohibited
- Claims of superiority over other practitioners, including best, top or leading
- Guaranteed outcomes or cure claims
- Patient testimonials about treatment outcomes
- Before-and-after imagery implying assured results
- Urgency framing: limited slots, offer ends soon
- Advertising cure for conditions listed under the Drugs and Magic Remedies Act
Where teams get caught
Testimonials are the most common violation, because they perform well and every other category uses them. A patient describing their recovery is exactly what the regulations restrict, however genuine it is.
Superlatives are second. Agency copy defaults to best cardiologist in the city because that is standard practice everywhere else. For a registered practitioner it is a conduct problem.
Third is discount-led promotion of procedures. Health packages promoted like retail offers attract attention from both professional bodies and consumer regulators.
What works within the rules
Educational content is both permitted and effective, because patients searching symptoms want explanation rather than persuasion. A clear answer to what a condition is and when to see someone builds the trust a testimonial was trying to shortcut.
Verify current NMC regulations and consult your professional body. This is general information, not professional-conduct advice.