Nepal Medical Council Warns Doctors Against Giving Medication Advice on Social Media

The Nepal Medical Council has issued a warning to doctors who provide medication and treatment advice through social media platforms. The Council highlighted that offering advice about medication use and treatment on social media poses serious health risks. Medical practitioners who violate the established guidelines will face legal action, the Council warned.

On March 18, in an official statement, the Nepal Medical Council noted an increasing trend of doctors sharing treatment methods, medication usage, and health-related content under the name of ‘online consultation’ on social media platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram. The Council cautioned that such content could lead patients to self-medicate, adopt incorrect treatments, and consequently suffer serious health complications.

“Healthcare is an extremely sensitive sector, and advising medication use or treatment without direct examination and necessary tests via social media is risky,” the statement emphasized. Such practices may seriously endanger patients’ health. The Council urged doctors and health workers to exercise particular caution when using social media and mandated compliance with specific guidelines. When sharing videos or information involving patients, obtaining consent and ensuring the confidentiality of patient identities is required. Furthermore, direct medication advice to patients through social media is strongly discouraged.

The Council stressed that health information and consultations must be based on scientific evidence, verified facts, and professional ethical standards. Medical decisions should be made following direct examination and certified treatment procedures, rather than relying solely on social media information. Dr. Satish Kumar Dev, Registrar of the Council, issued this notice and warned that failure to adhere to these guidelines will result in penalties under existing laws for the responsible doctors or health workers.