31/07/2025
Social Media Use Must Uphold Ethics, Patient Privacy: J&K Medical Council
Council Bars Self-Promotion, Sharing Patient Data Without Consent, and Online Solicitation
KNC DESK
Srinagar, July 31 (KNC): The Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council has issued a statement outlining strict guidelines for registered medical practitioners (RMPs) on the use of social media, urging them to uphold medical ethics and patient confidentiality in all online activities.
In the statement, the Council as per news agency Kashmir News Corner said, “While social media is a powerful communication tool, its misuse in ways that compromise patient privacy, confidentiality, or autonomy cannot be tolerated.”
The statement bars advertising or self-promotion, including claims of superiority, posting self-photographs for publicity, or soliciting testimonials. “Permitted announcements are limited to starting practice, change of address, or temporary absence,” it said, adding that buying likes, followers, or paying for higher search rankings is strictly prohibited.
Emphasizing patient confidentiality, it stated, “No patient information, including images, scans, treatments, or outcomes, shall be shared without explicit and informed consent. Consent is invalid if the patient is in a compromised state. Patient testimonials, endorsements, or reviews cannot be solicited or shared.”
The Council stressed maintaining professional dignity, advising doctors to share only factual and evidence-based educational content within their expertise. “Public discussions of treatment or prescribing medications online is prohibited. Patients must be directed to proper telemedicine or in-person consultations,” it added.
It also prohibited “showcasing treatment results, surgeries, or healed patient images,” as well as any endorsement of products, medicines, or commercial services. “No direct or indirect patient solicitation via social media is permitted,” the statement read.
Highlighting best practices, the Council urged doctors to maintain professionalism, share responsible content, and use social media for unbiased public health awareness.
“The overarching principle is medical ethics. Any violation of these guidelines will be treated as professional misconduct and may invite disciplinary action, including suspension of registration,” the statement warned. (KNC)
