NMC Advertising Guidelines 2026: 100 Questions Answered for Doctors and Hospitals
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November 6, 2026
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Quick answer: The NMC notice of 6 October 2026 on ethical advertising and public communication bars doctors from promoting their own practice, while allowing factual information such as qualifications, location, charges and health education. Testimonials, before-and-after images, success rates, guarantees, offers and unverifiable superlatives are prohibited, and every online post must show the doctor’s registration number. This guide answers 100 common questions with clause references.
Published: 6 November 2026 · By Akhil Dave, Founder & Principal Consultant, HMS Consultants
Doctors and hospital teams keep asking the same questions about the new rules. This page gathers 100 of them in ten groups, each answered in plain English with the relevant clause of the notice. For the big picture, read our complete NMC advertising guidelines guide. If you are based in Gujarat, see our healthcare marketing consultants in Vadodara page.
- A doctor cannot promote their own practice. Factual information is allowed.
- Testimonials, before-and-after images, success rates, guarantees, offers and unverifiable superlatives are the main prohibitions.
- Every electronic post must show your name, qualifications, registration status and register number.
- AI-generated promotional campaigns for commercial interest are prohibited, and permitted AI content must be labelled.
- You remain responsible for what agencies, influencers and staff publish for you.
- Basics: scope, dates and definitions
- Websites and Google Business Profile
- Social media, reels and video
- Patient photos, privacy and consent
- Testimonials, reviews and ratings
- AI content and influencers
- Hospitals and medical institutions
- Penalties, complaints and appeals
- Marketing agencies, ads and listings
- Self-check, audit and next steps
- Quick reference: what HMS rates Red
1. Basics: scope, dates and definitions (Q1 to Q10)
Q1. What are the NMC Guidelines on Ethical Advertising and Public Communication?
They are a public notice (No. R-13014/01/2024-Ethics) issued by the National Medical Commission on 6 October 2026. It sets out what doctors (RMPs), hospitals and medical institutions may and may not say in public across websites, social media, media and AI-generated content. Our full walk-through is in the NMC advertising guidelines guide.
Q2. Who must follow the guidelines?
The notice is addressed to Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) and other concerned stakeholders. It covers individual doctors, hospitals and medical institutions, healthcare platforms that host doctors (cl. 9.4), and content published for them by agencies, influencers or other intermediaries (cl. 4.4).
Q3. When did the guidelines come into effect?
With immediate effect from 6 October 2026 (cl. 1.2). The notice does not give a grace period.
Q4. Do the guidelines apply to posts published before 6 October 2026?
The notice is silent on earlier content. A safe approach is to review your bio, pinned posts, highlights and the last three months of content, and edit or remove anything that conflicts. Old testimonial pages and before-and-after galleries are the first to check.
Q5. What counts as an advertisement?
Content with a promotional character counts as advertising, whatever the medium. Information shared in the normal course of informing the public, without promotional or commercial intent, sits outside the definition (cl. 3.2, Explanation I). Form and frequency matter: repeated factual posts can start to look like promotion.
Q6. Which media are covered?
Cl. 3.5 lists print, TV, radio, social media, websites and blogs, messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram and Facebook, podcasts, influencer marketing, digital campaigns, sponsored posts, AI-generated promotion, public interviews, news articles meant for promotion, and online healthcare platforms.
Q7. Can a doctor advertise at all in India?
A doctor cannot promote their own practice or solicit patients. Factual information is allowed: announcing the start of practice, a change of address, charges, health education material and public-health talks (cl. 8.2, 9.3). The line is promotion versus information.
Q8. Do the guidelines replace the 2002 Regulations?
No. For doctors, the NMC Act and the 2002 Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations prevail if the two cannot be reconciled (cl. 4.2). For hospitals, the Clinical Establishments Act or the applicable State Act prevails (cl. 4.3).
Q9. Are there any exemptions?
Government public-interest campaigns are exempt from the AI rules (cl. 7.2). Awareness programmes and educational content are accepted if they do not promote a personal practice, solicit patients or earn through promotional marketing (cl. 5.1). Beyond that, assume the rules apply.
Q10. Has the NMC issued any clarification since 6 October?
HMS checked on 6 November 2026 and found no later circular, FAQ or court order that changes the notice. The NMC can issue clarifications, advisories and SOPs (cl. 12), so we watch its “What’s New” page and will update this guide.
Not sure how your own channels measure up? Book a 30-minute call and we will point you to the first fixes.
2. Websites and Google Business Profile (Q11 to Q20)
Q11. What must a doctor’s website display?
Any electronic media post by a doctor must show name, qualifications, registration status and the State or National Medical Register number (cl. 3.2, Explanation III). Put it in the footer, on every doctor profile and in blog author boxes. Establishments must list their doctors with the same details (Explanation IV).
Q12. Can I keep a testimonials page on my website?
No. The notice bars testimonials, endorsements and recommendations from patients, celebrities, influencers, employees or other third parties in any form: text, video, screenshots or star banners (cl. 8.1(xi)). Patient consent does not cure this. HMS rates a testimonial page Red.
Q13. Can I show before-and-after photos or case results?
No (cl. 8.1(v)). The only narrow exception is scientific or educational use with anonymised, documented consent, for example in a journal. A website gallery works as promotion and is rated Red.
Q14. Can I use “best”, “No. 1” or “leading” on my website?
Not unless the claim is objectively verifiable, rests on a transparent and independently checkable method, and is otherwise lawful (cl. 8.1(ix)). Check page titles, meta descriptions, image alt text and file names too, not just the visible text.
Q15. Can I show the number of patients treated or my success rate?
No. The notice bars advertising personal achievements, success rates and the number of patients treated (cl. 8.1(iii)). Claims such as “painless”, “guaranteed” or “100% success” also fail (cl. 8.1(vi)).
Q16. Can I publish my consultation fee and procedure charges?
Yes. A public declaration of charges is permitted (cl. 8.2(ii), 9.3) if it is factual, transparent and not misleading. A standing price is fine. A time-limited discount is not (cl. 8.1(x)).
Q17. Can I put my photo on my website?
A modest, professional photo on an About or profile page is Amber at most. Self-photographs are not permitted where they amount to self-advertisement or promotional publicity (cl. 9.2). A hero-banner portrait or repeated glamour shots can move to Red.
Q18. Can I run a blog or publish health articles?
Yes. Health education for the public is accepted when it does not promote your personal practice or solicit patients (cl. 5.1, 8.2(iv)). Keep it educational, add the disclosure line, avoid guarantees and avoid “book now at a discount” calls to action.
Q19. How should my Google Business Profile name and description look?
Use your real registered name, with no added keywords such as “Best Dentist in Vadodara”. Keep the description, categories and services factual. Keyword-stuffed names and fake local listings can fall under the search-manipulation rule (cl. 8.1(xii)).
Q20. What should I avoid in Google Business Profile posts and photos?
Offers, discounts, contests, before-and-after images and photos with identifiable patients (cl. 8.1(v), 8.1(x)). Keep posts educational or factual and answer Q&A without promotion.
Want a doctor-by-doctor check of your website and Google profile? See the NMC Compliance Audit.
3. Social media, reels and video (Q21 to Q30)
Q21. Can a doctor have an Instagram or Facebook page?
Yes. Educational posts in your own name are fine. Put your name, qualifications and registration number in the bio, and avoid superlatives in your handle and bio (cl. 3.2 Explanation III, 8.1(ix)). The NMC compliance checklist lists what to check.
Q22. What should my social media bio contain?
Name, qualifications, registration status and registration number. A line such as “Educational information only; not a substitute for consultation” helps. Avoid “best”, “No. 1” and outcome claims.
Q23. Can I post reels of procedures?
Only educational explanations that carry no promotion. A treatment-day reel with an identifiable patient appears to conflict with cl. 8.1(v) and the privacy rules (cl. 6.1 to 6.4), even if the patient agrees.
Q24. Can I use WhatsApp broadcasts and status to promote my clinic?
WhatsApp is a listed medium (cl. 3.5). Promotional broadcasts that solicit patients appear to conflict with cl. 8.1(ii). Factual messages such as clinic timings or a change of address are permitted (cl. 8.2(ii)).
Q25. What about YouTube titles, thumbnails and descriptions?
They are judged like any other advertisement. Avoid fear hooks, “guaranteed” or “100%” language and comparisons (cl. 8.1(i), 8.1(vi), 8.1(ix)). Keep the description factual and add your registration number.
Q26. Can I post festival or Doctors’ Day greetings?
Yes. Greetings on national or professional days are permitted if they carry no professional gain, so no offers, no clinic promotion and no call to action (cl. 8.2(v)).
Q27. Can I run giveaways, contests or referral offers?
No. Contests, coupons, gifts, cashbacks, referral benefits and free procedures that act as inducements fall under cl. 8.1(x). A free health camp used to attract patients is Amber to Red, so judge the purpose and wording.
Q28. Can I give public-health talks and join awareness programmes?
Yes. Lectures or talks on public health on TV, radio and electronic media in your own name and designation are permitted (cl. 8.2(iii)), as are awareness programmes that do not promote your practice (cl. 5.1). Do not promote your employer.
Q29. Can I endorse a brand, drug or health product?
No. Endorsing drugs, devices or health products using your name, image or status is barred (cl. 8.1(iv)). Brand collaboration tags can look like endorsement, so avoid them, and disclose any lawful commercial relationship (cl. 8.1(xi)).
Q30. Can I buy followers, likes or views?
No. Fake followers, likes, reviews, ratings, comments or views are barred (cl. 8.1(xii)). Engagement pods sit in the same area.
Social channels are the most common source of Red findings. The NMC Compliance Audit reviews the last three months of your posts.
4. Patient photos, privacy and consent (Q31 to Q40)
Q31. Can I post a patient’s photo if they have given consent?
Consent does not make a prohibited practice acceptable. A patient photo used as a result, success story or thank-you works as promotion and conflicts with cl. 8.1(v) and 8.1(xi). Consent only matters for permitted educational use.
Q32. What patient information must be masked?
Names, faces, birthmarks, tattoos and any other identifiers (cl. 6.1 to 6.4, 7.4). Check file names, captions, report headers, bed numbers and background screens too.
Q33. What kind of consent does the notice expect?
Consent must be specific, informed, voluntary, documented and verifiable (cl. 6.3). A casual verbal OK or a bundled form does not meet that standard.
Q34. Can I share a case study?
Research-based communication with case studies published in reputed medical journals is permitted (cl. 8.2(i)). A case posted on social media for publicity is not. Educational use needs anonymised, documented consent.
Q35. Can I post an X-ray, scan or lab report for teaching?
Only for genuine education, fully anonymised, without promotion and with documented consent. A scan posted to show a good outcome works as a result post.
Q36. Can I share WhatsApp chats or messages from patients?
No. A screenshot of a patient message that praises you is a testimonial in any form (cl. 8.1(xi)), and it can expose the patient’s identity.
Q37. Can I film surgeries or go live from the operation theatre?
Not for promotion. Any live broadcast must follow the NMC framework on patient safety, consent, privacy, educational purpose, sponsorship and commercialisation (cl. 7.5).
Q38. Can my staff post patient content for the clinic?
You are responsible for content you authorised, commissioned or knowingly permitted (cl. 4.4). Give the team a written do-and-don’t list and approve posts before they go out.
Q39. Can I publicly thank a patient or post “happy patient” stories?
No. Thank-you posts and happy-patient stories are success stories and testimonials (cl. 8.1(v), 8.1(xi)). Thank patients in person.
Q40. Do the data protection rules apply to my website forms?
Yes. The notice requires compliance with the IT Act, 2000 and the DPDP Act, 2023 with the 2025 Rules, as in force from time to time (cl. 7.6). Add a privacy notice, consent on enquiry and booking forms, and check tracking pixels on pages that reveal a health condition.
Unsure whether a photo, reel or form on your site is safe? The NMC Compliance Audit flags patient identifiers and consent gaps.
5. Testimonials, reviews and ratings (Q41 to Q50)
Q41. Can I ask patients to leave a Google review?
This is a grey area. Cl. 3.2, Explanation V bars soliciting or procuring reviews, and requesting or sharing patient reviews for promotion on social media. A QR code, card or WhatsApp request for a Google review is Amber to Red. HMS advises stopping until the NMC clarifies.
Q42. Can I pay for reviews or ratings?
No. Fake, paid or misleading reviews, ratings and testimonials are barred for doctors and hospitals (cl. 3.2, Explanation V; cl. 8.1(xii)).
Q43. How should I reply to a Google or Practo review?
Keep replies neutral, with no patient detail and no promotion. Do not confirm that the person was your patient or discuss their case. A reply that thanks and promotes is Red. A neutral reply is Amber.
Q44. Can I share good reviews on my social media or website?
No. Doctors may not request or share patient reviews for professional promotion on social media (cl. 3.2, Explanation V), and a review screenshot is a testimonial (cl. 8.1(xi)). Do not embed review widgets either.
Q45. What about a patient’s own unsolicited review on a third-party site?
The notice does not clearly address it. If you did not request, share or showcase it, HMS rates it Amber. Do not quote, embed or reshare it.
Q46. Can I use platform badges like “Most Recommended” or “Top Doctor”?
Those badges are controlled by the platform. Do not copy them to your website or posts, because that becomes a superiority claim and a testimonial (cl. 8.1(ix), 8.1(xi)). Ask the platform about opting out where possible.
Q47. Can colleagues, staff or patients write recommendations on my LinkedIn profile?
Recommendations from patients, employees or other third parties fall under the testimonial ban (cl. 8.1(xi)). HMS rates patient recommendations Red and colleague recommendations Amber. Hide or remove them.
Q48. Can I show awards and rankings?
Only if they are independently verifiable. Name the awarding body, method and year, and avoid awards that exist only because someone paid for them (cl. 8.1(ix)). Remove “Voted No. 1 by patients” style claims.
Q49. Can I respond to an unfair negative review?
Reply briefly and neutrally without patient detail, or report it to the platform. Never argue clinical details in public (cl. 6.1 to 6.4). For defamation questions, speak to a lawyer.
Q50. Can I put a QR code or “Rate us” sign in my clinic?
HMS rates it Amber to Red. The notice speaks of reviews for promotion on social media, and a rating prompt has a promotional purpose. Remove it until the NMC clarifies.
Reviews and ratings are the grey area doctors ask about most. We rate every review practice in the NMC Compliance Audit.
6. AI content and influencers (Q51 to Q60)
Q51. Can I use AI to write my blogs and posts?
Yes, for non-promotional, educational content. AI-generated promotional content that conforms to the guidelines must carry a source mark stating it was made with AI (cl. 7.2). Review every line yourself, because AI content must not create misleading or unverifiable claims (cl. 7.2(a)).
Q52. Is an AI-generated promotional campaign allowed?
No. An AI-generated promotional campaign for furthering commercial interest is prohibited (cl. 7.2). “Commercial interest” is not defined, so HMS treats borderline cases as Amber.
Q53. What AI label should I use?
A clear line such as “This content was generated with AI assistance.” Use it only on permitted, non-promotional content and place it where readers will see it.
Q54. Can I create an AI image or video of a patient or testimonial?
No. AI must not create or manipulate a patient’s image, testimonial, voice or clinical outcome, or a synthetic endorsement that purports to come from an actual patient, doctor or other person (cl. 7.2(b)).
Q55. Can I use an AI avatar or cloned voice of myself?
A synthetic endorsement purporting to be an actual RMP is barred (cl. 7.2(b)). Where the artificial nature of AI-altered content may matter to the audience, disclose it (cl. 7.2(c)). HMS advises against cloned-voice promotion.
Q56. Can I paste patient details into an AI tool?
Patient information used as AI input must meet privacy, confidentiality, data-protection and ethics requirements (cl. 7.2(d)). De-identify first, and avoid public AI tools for identifiable records.
Q57. Can I hire an influencer to talk about my clinic?
Not for testimonials or endorsements (cl. 8.1(xi)). A third party cannot be used to do indirectly what you cannot do directly. Any material commercial relationship in lawful public-health communication must be disclosed.
Q58. Am I responsible for what an influencer or agency posts for me?
Yes. Publishing through a digital platform, agency or influencer does not remove your responsibility for content you authorised, commissioned, sponsored, adopted or knowingly permitted (cl. 4.4).
Q59. Can a doctor appear in news articles, interviews and podcasts?
Yes, for genuine public-health commentary in your own name and designation (cl. 8.2(iii)). Paid or sponsored “expert” features meant for promotion are covered by cl. 3.5 and cl. 4.4, so do not commission them.
Q60. Do I need to label videos where AI only edits or translates?
Where AI materially alters content and its artificial nature may matter to the audience, disclose it (cl. 7.2(c)). “Materially altered” is not defined. HMS treats routine captioning or noise clean-up as low risk and substantive changes as Amber. Label when in doubt.
Using AI, influencers or an agency? Let us review your set-up before the next post goes out.
7. Hospitals and medical institutions (Q61 to Q70)
Q61. What can a hospital publish?
Factual, objective and verifiable information: name, location, contact details, departments, facilities, equipment, services, emergency services, accreditation status and charges (cl. 8.3(i), 9.1).
Q62. Can a hospital list its doctors online?
Yes. A directory with names, recognised qualifications, specialties, registration details and availability serves a patient-information purpose (cl. 9.1). Keep it factual, with no “our star surgeon” wording.
Q63. Can a hospital promote an individual doctor?
No. Hospital communication must not carry patient solicitation, comparative superiority, guarantees or promotional portrayal of an individual RMP (cl. 8.3(ii)).
Q64. What can hospital hoardings and banners say?
Only factual information on infrastructure and facilities. Unverified claims are prohibited (cl. 5.2).
Q65. Can we say “latest” or “most advanced” about our equipment?
Equipment information is factual only if it makes no claim of superiority, guaranteed accuracy or outcomes, comparison, or other unverifiable representation (cl. 3.2, Explanation II). State what the equipment is and does.
Q66. Can we show NABH, NABL or JCI accreditation?
Yes, as factual accreditation status (cl. 8.3(i)). State the accrediting body, scope and validity period so it does not mislead.
Q67. Can hospitals advertise health-check packages and discounts?
Packages may be published with factual contents and price. Limited-period offers, gifts and similar inducements appear to conflict with the bar on inducement (cl. 8.3(ii), 8.1(x)).
Q68. Does the testimonial ban apply to hospitals?
Yes. It reaches hospitals through cl. 3.2, Explanation V and cl. 8.3(ii), even though cl. 8.1(xi) speaks of RMPs. Remove patient stories and star-rating banners from hospital sites.
Q69. Who is penalised when a hospital breaks the rules?
Penalty and appeal for hospitals follow the Clinical Establishments Act or the applicable State Act (cl. 10.1 Explanation, 11.5). A doctor who personally authorised or took part may be examined separately by the SMC, EMRB or NMC (cl. 11.5).
Q70. What duties do online healthcare platforms have?
Platforms hosting doctors must follow the NMC norms, must not rank doctors for payment and must keep listing practices transparent (cl. 9.4). A doctor who pays for ranking is exposed under cl. 4.4.
Running a hospital or multi-doctor centre? The audit for hospitals and medical institutions covers directory, hoardings and packages.
8. Penalties, complaints and appeals (Q71 to Q80)
Q71. What action can follow a violation?
Cl. 10.1 lists graded action that the State Medical Council may contemplate: warning, censure, monetary penalty, suspension and, for repeat violations, removal from the register.
Q72. What happens on a first violation?
A warning and mandatory ethics training may be contemplated (cl. 10.1).
Q73. What happens on a second or third violation?
A second violation may bring censure and a monetary penalty. A third may bring suspension of registration for 3 to 6 months (cl. 10.1).
Q74. What counts as a serious violation?
Misleading cure claims, inducement of patients and digital mass solicitation. Suspension of 6 to 12 months may be contemplated, and repeated violations may lead to removal from the register for 1 to 3 years (cl. 10.1).
Q75. Will I get a chance to respond before action is taken?
Yes. A show-cause notice comes first (cl. 10.2), and the decision must be a reasoned, speaking order (cl. 10.3).
Q76. Can I appeal?
Yes. Appeal to the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the NMC within 60 days under section 30(3) of the NMC Act (cl. 11.1), and a second appeal within 60 days under section 30(4) (cl. 11.4).
Q77. Who enforces the guidelines?
State Medical Councils act first, and the EMRB and NMC hear appeals. For hospitals, the authority under the Clinical Establishments Act or the State Act acts.
Q78. Do other laws apply to medical advertising?
Yes. The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the CCPA’s 2022 guidelines on misleading advertisements cover truthfulness and endorsements. The Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954 covers remedy claims for listed conditions. Take legal advice on your exposure.
Q79. Is advertising treatment for cancer or diabetes a special risk?
Yes. The schedule to the 1954 Act lists 54 conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy and cataract. Content suggesting a drug or remedy can diagnose, treat or prevent them is a legal risk.
Q80. What should I do if I have received a show-cause notice or complaint?
Speak to a healthcare lawyer first. HMS is not a legal advisor and does not represent clients before councils. An HMS audit can run alongside as a marketing review of what is live.
Worried about a complaint or notice? Speak to a lawyer first, then use our audit to clean up what is live.
9. Marketing agencies, ads and listings (Q81 to Q90)
Q81. Can I hire a marketing agency or consultant?
The notice lists engaging a third party for marketing medical services among prohibited acts (cl. 8.1(ii)), and bars payment structures linked to individual patients (cl. 8.1(viii)). HMS reports a fixed-fee advisory arrangement as Amber and suggests one-time legal advice on how cl. 8.1(ii) applies to you.
Q82. Can I pay an agency per lead or per appointment?
No. Payment linked to procuring or referring individual patients, including lead-generation fees, is barred (cl. 8.1(vii), 8.1(viii)). HMS rates pay-per-lead Red.
Q83. Can I pay for “featured” or “prime” listings on Practo or Justdial?
HMS rates paid ranking Amber to Red. Platforms must not rank doctors for payment (cl. 9.4), and paying for it exposes you under cl. 4.4. Record the payment model before you decide.
Q84. Can I run Google or Meta ads?
Digital campaigns and sponsored posts are listed media (cl. 3.5), so ads face the same rules: factual only, no offers, no superlatives, no solicitation. For an individual doctor, treat ads as high risk and take legal advice first.
Q85. Is SEO allowed for doctors?
Search optimisation of factual, educational content is generally fine. Doorway pages, keyword-stuffed “best doctor in city” pages, fake local listings and fake reviews are barred (cl. 8.1(xii)).
Q86. What does HMS Consultants do and not do for doctors?
HMS reviews, advises and trains: NMC compliance audit, doctor branding, strategy and team training. HMS does not give legal advice, represent clients before councils, run ads or sell content packages as part of an audit.
Q87. What should an agency contract say about the NMC rules?
State that all content follows the NMC notice of 6 October 2026, require your written approval before posting, ban testimonials, before-and-after images, offers and per-patient payment, and require removal on request. Ask a lawyer to review it.
Q88. Does the Supreme Court’s 2024 ruling on misleading ads matter for doctors?
In IMA v. Union of India (2024) the Supreme Court directed self-declarations from advertisers and agencies. It is separate from the NMC notice, so confirm the current requirements with a lawyer.
Q89. Can a pharma or device company sponsor my content?
Product endorsement is barred (cl. 8.1(iv)), and any commercial relationship in lawful public-health communication must be disclosed (cl. 8.1(xi)). Sponsored posts are a listed medium (cl. 3.5).
Q90. Am I responsible for changes my web developer makes?
Yes. Anything published on your site is yours to answer for (cl. 4.4). Keep a change log, ask your developer to avoid auto-generated review widgets, and re-check after every redesign.
Already working with an agency or paid listing? We check the arrangement and the content together.
10. Self-check, audit and next steps (Q91 to Q100)
Q91. How do I run a 30-minute self-check?
Open your website, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Google Business Profile and directory listings. Search each for testimonials, reviews, before-and-after images, “best”, “No. 1”, “guaranteed”, patient counts, offers and patient identifiers. Confirm your name, qualifications and registration number appear. The NMC compliance checklist has the full list.
Q92. What disclosure line should I use?
“Dr [Name], [qualifications]. [State] Medical Council Reg. No. [number]. Educational information only; not a substitute for consultation.” Adapt it for each channel (cl. 3.2, Explanation III).
Q93. What does a compliant doctor bio look like?
“Dr A Kumar, MBBS, MD (Medicine), DM (Cardiology). Gujarat Medical Council Reg. No. XXXXX. Practises cardiology at [clinic], [address].” Facts only, with no superlatives, outcomes or counts.
Q94. What should I fix first?
Testimonials and reviews on your site, before-and-after images, success rates and patient counts, guarantees, offers, superlatives and any visible patient identifier. These are the items HMS rates Red.
Q95. How often should I review my content?
Monthly for social media and the website, and each time the NMC or your State Medical Council issues a clarification. Re-check after a website redesign or an agency change.
Q96. What does the HMS NMC Compliance Audit cover?
A red-amber-green review of your website, social media channels, Google Business Profile and third-party directory listings against the NMC notice, with a report in 7 working days, compliant rewrite samples and a 30-minute walkthrough call. Explore the audit.
Q97. How much does the NMC Compliance Audit cost?
₹25,000 for an individual doctor and ₹50,000 for a hospital or multi-doctor centre. The audit page lists what is included.
Q98. Is the audit legal advice?
No. It is a marketing compliance review of public content. Findings marked Amber may need advice from a qualified lawyer. HMS does not use “compliant” or “non-compliant” as a verdict on a client.
Q99. Can I still build a personal brand under these rules?
Yes, through education and authority rather than promotion: factual profiles, public-health talks, journal publications, educational articles and a clear disclosure line. See doctor branding for an approach built within the guidelines.
Q100. How do I get started?
Book a free 30-minute call with HMS Consultants, or send your website and social links and ask for the NMC Compliance Audit. Call +91 81550 04010 or write to info@hmsconsultants.in.
Ready for the full review? Book your NMC Compliance Audit or talk to us first.
Quick reference: what HMS rates Red
| Item | Rating | Clause |
|---|---|---|
| Testimonials, review screenshots, star banners | Red | 8.1(xi) |
| Before-and-after photos, success stories | Red | 8.1(v) |
| Success rates, patient counts, guarantees | Red | 8.1(iii), 8.1(vi) |
| Offers, discounts, contests, referral gifts | Red | 8.1(x) |
| “Best”, “No. 1”, “leading” without proof | Red | 8.1(ix) |
| Pay-per-lead or per-patient payment | Red | 8.1(vii), 8.1(viii) |
| Patient identifier visible | Red | 6.1 to 6.4, 7.4 |
| Missing registration number on a doctor page | Red | 3.2 Expl. III |
Rating scale used by HMS: Red appears to conflict with the guidelines, Amber is borderline or untested, Green shows no concern identified.
NMC Compliance Audit
A red, amber, green review of your website, social media and Google profile.
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Build a professional presence that works within the guidelines.
Explore Doctor BrandingHospital Marketing Audit
A wider review of how your hospital attracts and converts patients.
Explore Marketing AuditDisclaimer: HMS Consultants is a healthcare marketing consultancy. We are not a law firm and this guide is not legal advice. References to the NMC notice reflect our understanding of public information as of 6 November 2026. Please consult a qualified healthcare lawyer before acting.
About the author: Akhil Dave is Founder & Principal Consultant of HMS Consultants, with 25+ years in healthcare marketing.
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Marketing for hospitals works when patients feel guided, not rushed. Clear communication and patience build trust, helping decisions happen naturally.
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A digital marketing consultant audits far more than social media or advertisements. This blog explains how consultant-level hospital marketing audits uncover AI discoverability gaps, patient journey drop-offs, competitor positioning…
Time as Currency: Why Speed of Care is the New Marketing Advantage
Patients value time as much as treatment. Discover how faster consultations, quick reports, and responsive follow-ups can become a clinic’s strongest marketing advantage in India.
