Advertising Industry watchdog ASCI backed by Medical Council of India

NEW DELHI: Advertising Standards Council of India today said it has been backed by the Medical Council of India for taking action against doctors whose ads violate the Medical Code of Ethics Regulations, 2002.

In their letter, the ethics committee of MCI has strongly backed ASCI for its efforts and self-regulatory mechanism of ensuring ethical advertising practices, ASCI said in a statement.

ASCI has observed and processed a large number of complaints of healthcare products, services and clinic ads which has mention of or promotions of doctors, it added.

The advertising industry watchdog said MCI has directed it to send them a state wise list of Allopathic doctors registered with MCI/SMC who have been advertising their products or services so that appropriate action can be taken.

MCI has also directed ASCI to refer to the Indian Medical Registry for obtaining details of doctors making misleading claims in their advertisements.

It has instructed State Medical Councils (SMC) to further investigate and take action against doctors who do not follow the Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette & Ethics) Regulations, 2002 within a period of six months.