Physicians must not run medical shops: New draft medical practice law

New Delhi: The draft law to regulate medical practice in the country, Registered Medical Practitioner Regulation, by the National Medical Commission has recommended prohibiting registered medical practitioners (RMPs) from running stores that sell drugs and surgical products.

The doctor can, however, sell or prescribe or give the medicine directly to his own patients.

The draft also mandates RMPs not to receive a share of the fees associated with diagnostic tests, including scanning. Regarding fees for examining the patient, he should be informed before the treatment.

Further, if the doctor is qualified in more than one system of medicine, they must decide which one to practice. If a doctor takes a licence in 'modern medicine', he should not practice another system like say ayurveda.

A unique identification number must be recorded on certificates and receipts issued to patients by the doctor. The patient should not be exploited for personal, social or business purposes, the draft states.

The draft also lays down that the doctor must procure written consent from the patient before conducting clinical procedures such as diagnostic tests or surgery. If the same is not possible, he should seek permission from a parent or family member. A physician must not publish photos or report without the patient's consent.

Doctors must write the generic name of drugs in prescriptions, and should keep the medical record of the patient for three years from the date of last treatment, it adds.

Regarding doctors publishing advertisements, the draft mandates that it should be done only during the time of commencement of practice, change of system of medicine, change of address, leave of absence or resumption of practice.

Also, physicians must attend a professional development program each year.

The draft regulation will be published on the National Medical Commission's website, and experts, as well as the public, can comment on it till June 22.