Theme: Professional Ethics

Duties of Registered Pharmacists towards Patients

While helping clients, pharmacists have certain duties:

  • A pharmacist is not bound to attend every person who asks for their service. However, a pharmacist should always be ready to respond to the sick and injured.(( Regulation 8.1(a), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 201))
  • Pharmacists should always maintain the confidentiality of their patients. For instance, a pharmacist should not reveal any issues or defects of patients observed during medical attendance. However, if the laws of the State require a pharmacist to give such information, they can do so. Pharmacists can also give such information if they think it will protect a healthy third party from a communicable disease like malaria, COVID-19 etc.(( Regulation 8.1(a), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • While giving a prognosis, a pharmacist should not exaggerate or minimize the seriousness of the patient’s condition. In addition, pharmacists should ensure that the patient, patient’s family and close friends have knowledge of the patient’s condition so as to serve the best interests of the patient and patient’s family.1
  • Pharmacists should respond to any request for their assistance in an emergency. They should not deliberately commit an act of negligence that may deprive the patient from necessary medical care.(( Regulation 8.4, Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))

Patient Counseling by Pharmacists

Upon receiving a prescription drug order, and after reviewing the patient’s record, a registered pharmacist should personally initiate discussion of matters that will optimize the drug therapy or care of the patient. The pharmacist can conduct the discussion in person, or by telephone etc.

The discussion should include appropriate elements of patient counseling.(( Regulation 9.3(a), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015)) Such elements may include the following :

  • Name and description of the drugs(( Regulation 9.3(a)(i), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • The dosage form, dose, route of administration, and duration of drug therapy(( Regulation 9.3(a)(ii), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Special directions and precautions for the drug(( Regulation 9.3(a)(iv), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Common side effects, adverse effects etc. that may be encountered, including their avoidance, and the action required if they occur(( Regulation 9.3(a)(v), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Techniques for self monitoring drug therapy(( Regulation 9.3(a)(vi), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Proper storage of the drugs(( Regulation 9.3(a)(vii), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))

The patient or their agent can always refuse such counseling.

Role of pharmacies during counseling

The pharmacist has to maintain a record of drugs administered to the patient.(( Regulation 9.3(b), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))Further, pharmacies providing patient counseling have to keep in mind that:

  • Only registered pharmacists can be involved in counseling.(( Regulation 9.3(d)(i), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Facilities should be provided for confidential conversation, and patient confidentiality must be maintained.(( Regulation 9.3(d)(ii), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Proper documentation is necessary.(( Regulation 9.3(d)(iv), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Counseling should be for the patient’s benefit. In every consultation, the benefit to the patient is of foremost importance. All registered pharmacists engaged in the case should be frank with the patient and his attendants.(( Regulation 9.3(d)(vi), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • During counseling, punctuality should be maintained.(( Regulation 9.3(d)(vii), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))

However, please remember that the law does not give pharmacists the power to open pharma clinics to diagnose the disease and prescribe medicines.(( Clarification on Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015 notified by Pharmacy Council of India in Gazette of India No.17 dated 16.1.2015))

If these duties are not fulfilled and you face issues as a pharmaceutical client/patient, then you can file a complaint against the pharmacist.

  1. Regulation 8.3, Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015 [↩]

Ethical Conduct by Pharmacists

Some of the ethical practices for pharmacists include:

Handling of Drugs/Medicines by Pharmacists

Pharmacists should take all possible care to dispense a prescription correctly by weighing and measuring all ingredients in correct proportions, with the help of scale and measures (visual estimations must be avoided). Further, a pharmacist should always use drugs and medicinal preparations of standard quality, and should never adulterate the preparations. A pharmacist should be very careful in dealing with drugs and medicinal preparations known to be poisonous, or used for addiction  or any other abusive purposes.(( Chapter II, Code of Pharmaceutical Ethics))

Hawking of Drugs/Medicines

Hawking of drugs and medicines is discouraged. Therefore, pharmacists cannot engage in door-to-door solicitation of the products. To prevent self-medication using drugs, pharmacists are discouraged from distributing therapeutic substances without expert supervision.(( Chapter III, Code of Pharmaceutical Ethics))

Fair Trade Practice

Cut-throat competition, aiming to capture the business of another pharmaceutical establishment is discouraged among pharmacists. Cut-throat competition includes:

  • Offering any sort of prizes, gifts or any kind of allurement to customers
  • Knowingly charging lower prices for medical commodities, compared to the reasonable prices charged by a fellow pharmacist.

In case any order or prescription intended to be served by a particular dispensary is brought by mistake to another dispensary, the latter should refuse to accept it and should direct the customer to the right place. Imitation or making a copy of labels, trademarks and other signs and symbols of other pharmaceutical establishments are also not allowed under the law. (( Chapter III, Code of Pharmaceutical Ethics))

Advertising and Displays

In connection to selling medicines to the public, a pharmacist should not use displays that are undignified, or which contain the following:3

  • Any wording design or illustration that reflects pharmacists or an individual in a bad light.
  • A disparaging or derogatory reference to other suppliers, products, remedies or treatments. Even if the comments are direct or implied, it is not allowed.
  • Misleading or exaggerated statements or claims.
  • The word “Cure” in reference to an ailment or symptoms of ill-health.
  • A guarantee of therapeutic effect
  • An attempt to increase fear through advertisements.
  • An offer to refund money paid by a customer
  • A prize, competition or similar scheme.
  • Any reference to a medical practitioner or a hospital, or the use of the terms “Doctor” or “Dr.” or “Nurse” in connection with the name of a preparation not already established.
  • A reference to sexual weakness, premature ageing or loss of virility.
  • Indecent references to complaints of sexual nature.

If a pharmacy knows, or  could reasonably know that a preparation is advertised by such means, such preparations should not be displayed in the pharmacy.

Complaining against a Pharmacist

Any complaint with regard to professional misconduct of a pharmacist can be brought either before the State Pharmacy Council or Pharmacy Council of India for disciplinary action.(( Regulation 14(a), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015)) Every State Government is required to set up a State Pharmacy Council.(( Regulation 14(b), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015)) States are also free to form Joint State Councils with mutual agreement.(( Section 19, Pharmacy Act, 1948)) The list of all State Pharmacy Councils in India can be found here.

Procedure to complain

The procedure for filing a complaint against a registered Pharmacist may vary from state to state. This is because they are determined by the respective State Laws and in few states such as Kerala,(( Kerala State Pharmacy Council Rules, 2012)) Tamil Nadu,(( Tamil Nadu Pharmacy Council Rules, 1953)) and Maharashtra,(( Maharashtra State Pharmacy Council Rules, 1969)) you would require to submit your complaint in writing to the Registrar of the State Pharmacy Council and the grounds of the complaint also has to be stated.(( Rule 85, Kerala State Pharmacy Council Rules, 2012; Rule 90, Tamil Nadu Pharmacy Council Rules, 1953; Rule 63(3), Maharashtra State Pharmacy Council Rules, 1969))

Generally, the complaint should state the description and address of the complainant. This is because the complaint does not have a provision for anonymous complaints. If any information in the complaint is not within the personal knowledge of the complainant, the source of such information and the reasons why the complainant believes it to be true must be clearly stated.(( Rule 63(4), Maharashtra State Pharmacy Council Rules, 1969;Rule 86, Kerala State Pharmacy Council Rules, 2012; Rule 91, Tamil Nadu Pharmacy Council Rules, 1953))

Punishing a Pharmacist

Once a complaint is received, the appropriate Pharmacy Council will hear the practitioner. If they are found guilty, then the Council will provide a punishment.

The punishment is determined by the Council and it can even direct removal of the name of the practitioner from the corresponding register altogether or for a specified time period. This means that the pharmacist will not be able to practice for that period.(( Regulation 14(b), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))

Misconduct by Pharmacists

The actions of a registered pharmacist which shall qualify for misconduct and those actions which can be complained against include:

Violation of Law

  • Violations of regulations under the Pharmacist Act (including violations associated with the duties of a pharmacist, which can be found here).(( Regulation 13(a), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • If a registered pharmacist working in a pharmacy is also found working in another pharmacy/, pharmacy college/institution/industry/any other organization as a teaching faculty or otherwise, this is an act of misconduct.(( Regulation 13(u), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))

Handling medicines

  • Dispensing medicines which require prescription, without the prescription of the Registered Medical Practitioner.(( Regulation 13(b), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Substitution of the prescription without approval/consent of the Registered Medical Practitioner.(( Regulation 13(c), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))

Registration certificate and information related

  • Allowing the owner of the pharmacy to use their pharmacist registration certificate without attending the pharmacy.(( Regulation 13(d), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Giving their pharmacist registration certificate at more than one pharmacy.(( Regulation 13(e), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Not maintaining the prescription/dispensing records of patients for five years, and refusing to provide these records within 72 hours when the patient or an authorised representative makes a request.(( Regulation 13(f), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Not displaying the registration certificate accorded by the State Pharmacy Council in the pharmacy.(( Regulation 13(g), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))

Improper Conduct or Crimes

  • Committing adultery or improper conduct with a patient, or maintaining an improper association with a patient by abusing their professional position.(( Regulation 13(i), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Conviction by a court for offences involving moral turpitude or criminal acts.(( Regulation 13(j), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Using agents for procuring patients.(( Regulation 13(r), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))

Confidentiality and Disclosure of Information

  • Contributing to press articles and giving interviews regarding diseases and treatments which may have the effect of advertising or soliciting practices. However, pharmacists are free to write to the press under their own name on matters of public health and hygienic living. They can also deliver public lectures and talks under their own name, and announce the same in the press.(( Regulation 13(m), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Disclosing the secrets of a patient learnt in the exercise of their profession. However, disclosure is permitted:
    • In a court of law under orders of the presiding judicial officer;
    • In circumstances where there is a serious and identified risk to a specific person and /or community; and
    • In case of notifiable diseases.(( Regulation 13(n), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Refusing solely on religious grounds to dispense medicines on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner.(( Regulation 13(o), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))
  • Publishing photographs or case reports of patients without their permission in any medical or other journal, in a manner by which the patient’s identity can be made out. However, if the identity is not disclosed, the consent is not needed.(( Regulation 13(p), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))

Further, in case a registered pharmacist is running a pharmacy and employing other pharmacists for help, the ultimate responsibility rests on the registered pharmacist.(( Regulation 13(q), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015))

This is not a complete exhaustive list of all kinds of professional misconduct. However, circumstances that are not mentioned above may also qualify as professional misconduct, and the responsible pharmacy council can take action on the same.(( Regulation 14(a), Pharmacy Practice Regulations, 2015)) Further, this would mean that violation of any of the prescribed ethical standards of a Pharmacist, mentioned here, might also qualify as a ground for disciplinary action.

Who is a Clinical Psychologist?

A clinical psychologist is a mental health professional with training in the diagnosis and psychological treatment of mental, behavioral and emotional illnesses. However, unlike a Psychiatrist, a Psychologist does not have a medical degree and therefore, cannot prescribe medicines.(( The Role and Training of a Clinical Psychologist, https://www.verywellmind.com/clinical-psychologist-2510503))

Further, the Mental Healthcare Act of 2017 defines a clinical psychologist as a person having:

  •  A recognized qualification in Clinical Psychology from an institution approved and recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India, or
  • A postgraduate degree in Psychology or Clinical Psychology or Applied Psychology and a Master of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology or Medical and Social Psychology after completing a full time course of two years. This should include supervised clinical training from any University recognized by the University Grants Commission and approved and recognized by the Rehabilitation Council of India.(( Section 2(1)(g), Mental Healthcare Act, 2017))

Clinical Psychologists come under the broad category of Rehabilitation Professionals.(( Section 2(1)(n), Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992)) For instance, this includes other professions such as audiologists, speech therapists etc. The Rehabilitation Council of India maintains a register of all the registered rehabilitation professionals in India.(( Section 19, Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992)) You can search for details of clinical psychologists here.

General Duties of a Clinical Psychologist

Given below are some of the duties of a clinical psychologist:

Advertising Services

A clinical psychologist should not:

  • Solicit any person with disabilities, directly or indirectly. This includes advertisements, circulars, hand-bills etc. However, clinical psychologists can formally announce through the press about starting/resumption of practice, change of practice, change of address, winding up of practice, and temporary absence from practice.(( Regulation 3, The Rehabilitation Council of India (Standards of Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Professionals) Regulations, 1998))
  • Display qualifications on the sign board, letter head pad, prescription slip, visiting card, certificate, report and other documents that carry the psychologist’s signature. The Registration Certificate should also be fixed in the place of practice, in a clearly visible manner.(( Regulation 8, The Rehabilitation Council of India (Standards of Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Professionals) Regulations, 1998))
  • Not undertake practice in any field other than the psychologist’s field of specialization.(( Regulation 11(k), The Rehabilitation Council of India (Standards of Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Professionals) Regulations, 1998))

Fee and Payment

Clinical psychologists should not charge an exorbitant fee. Also, a psychologist should not enter into a deal of ‘No payment, no cure’.(( Regulation 9, The Rehabilitation Council of India (Standards of Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Professionals) Regulations, 1998))

Details of Patients

Clinical psychologists should maintain a register of the details of patients, prescriptions issued, fees charged etc.(( Regulation 13, The Rehabilitation Council of India (Standards of Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Professionals) Regulations, 1998))

Moreover, clinical psychologists have the duty to maintain confidentiality. This includes keeping the information about their patient’s mental health, mental healthcare treatment, and physical healthcare confidential.(( Section 23, Mental Health Act, 2017))

Treatment and Care of Patients

A clinical psychologist should undertake rehabilitation or treatment of people with disabilities at regular and required intervals, or the proper time.(( Regulation 11(h), The Rehabilitation Council of India (Standards of Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Professionals) Regulations, 1998)) However, they should not:

  • Exaggerate the course of disease or the gravity of the condition of any person with disability.(( Regulation 10, The Rehabilitation Council of India (Standards of Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Professionals) Regulations, 1998))
  • Indulge in any indecent activity or have any improper relations.(( Regulation 11(b) and 11(c)The Rehabilitation Council of India (Standards of Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Professionals) Regulations, 1998))
  • Make use of harsh and rough language with any person with disability.(( Regulation 11(d), The Rehabilitation Council of India (Standards of Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Professionals) Regulations, 1998))
  • Take undue advantage of the condition of a person with disability.(( Regulation 11(f), The Rehabilitation Council of India (Standards of Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Professionals) Regulations, 1998))
  • Intentionally and knowingly neglect any person with disability.(( Regulation 11(i), The Rehabilitation Council of India (Standards of Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Professionals) Regulations, 1998))
  • Avail or attempt to avail any benefit meant for people with disability.(( Regulation 11(j), The Rehabilitation Council of India (Standards of Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Professionals) Regulations, 1998))

Violation of these duties will qualify as misconduct and can make a psychologist liable to disciplinary proceedings by the Rehabilitation Council of India.(( Regulation 15, The Rehabilitation Council of India (Standards of Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Professionals) Regulations, 1998))

Complaining against a Clinical Psychologist

You can complain to multiple forums regarding the misconduct of clinical psychologists. The violation of any of the general duties of a psychologist can be grounds to take action against them.(( Regulation 15, The Rehabilitation Council of India (Standards of Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Code of Ethics for Rehabilitation Professionals) Regulations, 1998)) Some of the forums include:

Rehabilitation Council of India

The Rehabilitation Council of India is the forum that oversees the work of a clinical psychologist. You can lodge a complaint against a professional on the ground of ‘Professional Misconduct’. The Council can order the removal of a psychologist’s name from the register of Rehabilitation Professionals (permanently or for a specified period of time), if found guilty. (( Section 21, The Rehabilitation Council of India Act, 1992))

State Commissioner of Disability/ Chief Commissioners of Disabilities

If you are a person with a disability who was treated by a clinical psychologist who violated their duties/ethics, you have the option to complain to the State Commissioner of Disability or Chief Commissioner of Disabilities, Government of India. You can find the list of State Commissioners here.

Mental Health Review Board/State Mental Health Boards

You can approach three main authorities if you have been treated by a clinical psychologist at a mental health establishment for mental health issues:

  • Central Mental Health Authority – It is the central authority under the law, which has functions including registering all mental health establishments under the Central Government, maintaining a register of all mental health establishments in the country, developing quality/service norms for mental health establishments under the Central Government, supervising all mental health establishments under the Central Government, receiving complaints about deficiencies in provision of services, etc.
  • State Mental Health Authority – It is the authority at the state level which has functions including registration of mental health establishments in the State, developing quality/service norms for mental health establishments in the State, supervising all mental health establishments in the State , receiving complaints about deficiencies in provision of services, etc.
  • Mental Health Review Board – It is the authority at the district level under the law, which has functions to register, review, alter, modify or cancel an advance directive, to appoint a nominated representative, to adjudicate complaints regarding deficiencies in care, etc.

As of now, the authorities, particularly the Central Mental Health Authority and the Mental Health Review Boards are functioning. However, some States, such as Delhi, Kerala, etc. have constituted the State Mental Health Authority. You should seek information about the functioning of these authorities from your respective State.

Who is a Medical Practitioner or Doctor?

A Medical Practitioner is a professional who practices medicine through the study, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of any disease or injury or other impairments. As per Indian law, a registered medical practitioner is a person whose name is found in the State Medical Register of any State, and who possesses the required medical qualifications.(( Section 21, Indian Medical Council Act, 1956))

However, a Physician is a Doctor with qualification of MBBS, or MBBS with post graduate degree/ diploma, or with equivalent qualification in any medical discipline. Only a doctor having a qualification recognized by the Medical Council of India and registered with the Medical Council of India/State Medical Council(s) can practice the  modern system of Medicine or Surgery.(( Regulation 1.1.3, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002))

Qualifications

Doctors are registered medical practitioners under the law if they:

  • Hold recognized medical qualifications granted by Universities or Medical Institutions listed in the Indian Medical Council Act.(( Section 2(h), Indian Medical Council Act, 1956)) A list of recognized universities can be found here.
  • Hold recognized medical qualifications granted by certain other Medical Institutions, also listed in the Act. A list of these institutions can be found here.
  • Enrolled with the State Medical Register(( Section 15, Indian Medical Council Act, 1956))
    or the Indian Medical Register,(( Section 21, Indian Medical Council Act, 1956)) and have received a registration number.

If the medical degree is from a foreign university degree, an Indian citizen possessing primary medical qualifications awarded by a foreign medical institution must clear a screening test,(( Section 13(4A), Indian Medical Council Act, 1956)) in order to be registered with either the Medical Council of India or State Medical Council. Further, you can find a list of  recognized foreign universities here.(( Second Schedule, Indian Medical Council Act, 1956))

Duties of a Medical Professional or Doctor

A doctor should uphold the dignity and honor of their profession,(( Regulation 1.1.1, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002)) and their prime objective should be to render service to humanity.(( Regulation 1.1.2, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002)) Further, doctors should be upright, modest, sober, patient, prompt and conduct themselves with propriety in their profession.(( Regulation 1.1.2, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002)) Legal regulations provide a comprehensive list of a doctor’s general duties, which are:

Maintaining a good practice

Doctors should:(( Regulation 1.2, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002))

  • Take care of each patient and provide proper service and devotion.
  • Try continuously to improve medical knowledge and skills. They should also use this knowledge to benefit both patients and other colleagues.
  • Practice methods of healing founded on a scientific basis. A doctor should not associate professionally with anyone who violates this principle.(( Regulation 1.2.1, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002))

Maintaining medical records of patients

  • Maintaining medical records:(( Regulation 1.3, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002))
    • Doctors should maintain medical records of patients for a period of 3 years from the commencement of treatment.(( Regulation 1.3.1, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002))
    • Upon a request by the patient, or authorised attendant, or legal authorities, such medical records shall be produced within 72 hours.(( Regulation 1.3.2, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002))
    • A medical practitioner has to  maintain a register of all the medical certificates issued by them. The identification marks of the patient, along with the signature or thumb impression of the patient shall be collected. The practitioner has to keep a copy of the same.(( Regulation 1.3.3, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002))
    • Efforts have to be made to digitalize the records.(( Regulation 1.3.4, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002))

General Duties of a Doctor

A doctor has some general duties apart from the ones give above including:

  • Displaying registration numbers.(( Regulation 1.4, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002)) Upon registration, the State Medical Council gives the doctor a registration number. This should be displayed in all the prescriptions, certificates, money receipts given to the patients.(( Regulation 1.4.1, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002))
  • Use of generic names of drugs.(( Regulation 1.5, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002)) The Generic Name of a drug refers to its chemical name, or the chemical makeup of the drug, rather than the assigned brand name.
  • Highest quality assurance in patient care.(( Regulation 1.6, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002)) Further doctors should:
    • Aid in safeguarding the profession against the admission of people who don’t have the appropriate education or don’t have the proper moral character.
    • Not employ anyone for a professional practice who is neither registered or enlisted under any of the medical laws. For example, if a doctor is hiring a nurse, it should be someone who is a registered nurse, qualified to practice medicine.
  • Exposing unethical conduct of other members of the profession.(( Regulation 1.7, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002))
  • Doctors should announce their fees before rendering service. For instance, personal financial interests of a doctor should not conflict with the patient’s medical interests.(( Regulation 1.8, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002))
  • Observing the laws of the country and not helping others in evading the same.(( Regulation 1.9, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002))

Duties towards patients

Although doctors are not bound to treat every patient that comes up to them, they should always be ready to respond to calls from the sick and injured. A doctor can advise the patient to go to another doctor, but must treat patients in times of emergencies. No doctor should arbitrarily refuse to treat their patient.(( Regulation 2.1.1, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002))

A doctor should be patient, delicate, and must honor the privacy of the patient.(( Regulation 2.2, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002)) While explaining the condition of a patient, the doctor should neither exaggerate nor minimize the gravity of the patient’s condition.(( Regulation 2.3, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002))

The patient must not be neglected. Once the doctor has undertaken a case, they should not neglect the patient or withdraw from the case without giving adequate notice to the patient and the patient’s family. Further, doctors should not deliberately commit acts of negligence that may deprive a patient from necessary medical care.(( Regulation 2.4, Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette, and Ethics) Regulations, 2002))

If your doctor fails in any or all of these duties, you can complain against them in the appropriate forum.