Most doctors' Instagram accounts were built before 6 October 2026, when NMC's Guidelines on Ethical Advertising came into force. Many common habits, like "Best paediatrician in town" in the bio, a festive discount post or a before/after reel, are now prohibited. Use this checklist to review your account in about 20 minutes.
Your bio and profile
- 1. Name, qualifications, registration status and SMR/NMR number are visible (Explanation III)
- 2. No "best", "No. 1", "top", "most trusted" or "leading" in the bio or highlights (8.1 iii, ix)
- 3. No "guaranteed", "painless", "100% success" or success-rate claims (8.1 iii)
- 4. Link goes to factual information: website, timings, booking. Not an "offer" page.
Your posts and reels
- 5. Every promotional post or reel carries your disclosure line in the caption
- 6. No before/after photos, surgical results or "patient success stories", even with consent (8.1 v, 6.2)
- 7. No patient faces, names or identifiable details, and no patient videos (6.1, 6.4, 7.4)
- 8. No discounts, free camps advertised as offers, coupons, contests or festive deals (8.1 x)
- 9. No reposted reviews, thank-you messages or testimonials (Explanation V, 8.1 xi)
- 10. Educational reels educate. They don't end with "book with me now" (5.1)
AI, ads and growth tactics
- 11. AI-generated images are labelled as AI. No AI avatar of you or a patient, and no AI "patient" testimonials (7.2)
- 12. No bought followers, likes or views, and no paid influencers promoting you (8.1 xi, xii)
What a compliant post looks like
Caption example: "Fever in children: signs that need a doctor's visit. See a doctor promptly if your child is unusually drowsy, has trouble breathing, a rash that doesn't fade when pressed, or a fever lasting more than a few days. This is general information, not a diagnosis. Dr A. B. Sahu (example), MBBS, MD (Paediatrics), Odisha Council Reg. No. 00000."
It educates, makes no promise, doesn't solicit and carries the disclosure.
If you find problems
Archive rather than delete if you want a record, fix captions that only need a disclosure line, and change your bio first, because it's the most-seen part of your account. Penalties start with a warning and ethics training but rise to suspension for repeat or serious violations (clause 10.1).
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to add my registration number to old posts?
Explanation III applies to any post a doctor publishes on electronic media. The safest course is to add the disclosure to posts that stay visible, or archive older promotional posts.
Can I post photos of my clinic and equipment?
Yes. Factual information about facilities and equipment is allowed (Explanation II, 8.3, 9.1), as long as there are no superiority or guaranteed-outcome claims.
Can a clinic page post a doctor's photo?
Clause 9.2 says a doctor's photograph must not be used where it amounts to self-advertisement or promotional publicity. A factual doctor directory with photo, qualifications and registration details is safer than promotional posters.
This guide summarises the official NMC notice for general information. It is not legal advice. For your specific situation, refer to the notice itself or your State Medical Council.