KATHMANDU, APRIL 18
The Nepal Medical Council has warned doctors and health workers against sharing patient-related video content, prescribing medication, or providing health advice through social media platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook without proper clinical examination.
In the notice issued on Friday, Registrar Dr. Satis Kumar Dev said the council has taken serious note of a growing trend of doctors operating under the guise of "online consultation" - sharing videos involving patients, recommending medicines for various illnesses, and widely disseminating health-related content through social media. The council warned that such practices carry serious risks for patients, can lead to unnecessary complications, and may cause long-term harm.
The council directed all concerned doctors and health workers to immediately stop sharing patient-related video content that reveals a patient's face or identity; to cease prescribing or recommending medication through social media without clinical examination; to adhere fully to scientific basis, verified facts, and professional codes of conduct when sharing any health-related information; and to advise patients to seek consultation only from qualified, registered doctors rather than acting on unverified social media advice.
The council warned that failure to comply will result in action under the Nepal Medical Council Act and applicable laws.