NMC restricts use of HCP images and promotional claims in hospital advertising

The National Medical Commission’s Guidelines on Ethical Advertising and Public Communication, effective October 6, 2026, permit hospitals to publish factual, objective and verifiable information about their facilities, services and charges. However, hospital communications must not solicit patients, make unverifiable claims or use promotional portrayals of individual doctor. The guidelines further specify that using an RMP’s photograph or image in a manner constituting self-advertisement, solicitation or promotional publicity is prohibited. Hospital’s  will therefore now be required to reassess use of HCP images in advertising materials.