Parliament Question: Guidelines for Healthcare Professional and Social Media Influencers

GOVERNMENT OFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTHAND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE LOK SABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 936 TOBE ANSWERED ON24TH JULY,2026 GUIDELINES FORHEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALAND SOCIALMEDIA INFLUENCERS 936.SHRIBASTIPATI NAGARAJU: Will the Minister of HEALTHANDFAMILYWELFARE be pleasedtostate: (a) whether there are any guidelines or regulations governing healthcare professionals and social media influencers providingmedicaladvice through social media platforms; (b) if so, the detailsthereof, includingthe regulatorybody responsible for enforcement and the penaltiesprescribed for violation; (c) whether those guidelines cover unqualified individuals posing as health experts, if so, the detailsthereof; (d) whether the Government has taken note of the growing menace of fake or unverified medical advice being circulated on social media by unqualified individuals and if so, the details of complaints registered along with the action taken during the last five years in thisregard,if not,the reasons therefor; and (e) whether the Government proposes to formulate a comprehensive framework in this regardandif so, the detailsand timelinethereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (SHRIJAGATPRAKASH NADDA) (a) to (e): lndian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002, regulate the professional conduct and medical ethics of the Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs), irrespective of the platform/forum.The said Regulations, inter alia, prescribe standards relating to the professional conduct of RMPs, maintenance of the dignity and honor of the medical profession, delivery of quality patient care, observance of confidentiality and professional discretion, prohibition of self-advertisement and direct or indirect solicitation of patients as well as appropriate authorityto actuponinstancesof professional misconduct etc. Further, the Telemedicine Practice Guidelines vide Notification No. MCI- 211(2)/2019(Ethics)/100659 dated 12.05.2020, govern the practice of Telemedicine and the provision of Teleconsultation services byRegistered Medical Practitioners. ******