Kohima, April 11 (MExN): The Nagaland Medical Council (NMC) has informed the doctors that they can collect their certificates of registration and licensing from the office of the registrar. The certificates can be collected in person or with a proper letter of authorization.
A press release from NMC Press Committee, Convener Dr. Kezhalezo Angami further instructed the doctors to display this registration number on their letterheads or prescription papers and also display their registration at their places of practice (MCI code 1.4.1). In Government hospitals, doctors have to write their name and registration below their signature for each prescription (MCI code 3.7.2).
The release issued for the allopathic doctors registered in the state and for general awareness of the public also stated that doctors shall display only those degrees recognised by the MCI/NMC and shall not add any other degree not recognised to their resume, to avoid misleading members of the public. Any attempt by doctors to mislead the public with unrecognised specialised degrees is medical misconduct and will attract punishment as per the Act (MCI code 1.4.2).
Doctors, clinics, nursing homes and hospitals have been instructed to maintain medical records. These shall be saved for a minimum of three years. On request by the patient, authorised body or legal authorities, the same must be produced within 72 hours (MCI code 1.3.1 /1.3.2 /7.2).
NMC also requested doctors to be very careful in issuing certificates and documenting facts of patient care. Issuing false and misleading certificates or misleading and improper documentation on patient care is a criminal offence and can result in the doctors’ name being deleted from the state and national register (MCI code 1.3.3 / 7.7), it added.
Meanwhile, every medical practitioner in government service or private sector is to observe the laws of the country. This includes laws set by the Medical Council of India/State Medical Council with its rules & regulations and Acts passed by the central or state government. Violation of any of them amounts to misconduct/negligence and can even lead to a criminal offence as per MCI Code 1.9. Failure to abide by any of the above will attract disciplinary or legal action by appropriate authority. No one can practice Allopathic medicine without having their degrees checked and registered by the NMC in the state of Nagaland. NMC stated that such practice, especially in an improperly licensed Health Care establishment, can attract serious consequences under the different health Acts.
Further, NMC informed that any type of advertising, except when starting a practice, change of practice, changing of address, public declaration of charges and related declarations, are unethical. “Soliciting for patients or practice, directly or indirectly, alone or as a group/ institution or organisation in any form for advertising or publicity which may amount to advertising for self is unethical and not allowed (MCI code 6.1.1). Printing or display of photos/are not allowed (MCI code 6.1.2). Contributing to the lay press for, giving of interviews regarding treatments and diseases which may have an effect on advertising of self or soliciting practice amounts to medical misconduct (MCI code 7.11).”
A doctor shall not give/solicit or receive any gifts/ commissions/ indulge in splitting of fees etc, for referring of patients, NMC stated. Stating that such practices are being commonly practiced in Nagaland, the Council said such practices often lead to many unnecessary investigations/ treatments which result in losses for both the patient and the government finances. The Council warned that it will take serious action against such practices (MCI code 6.4.1). Members of the fraternity and the public have been encouraged to bring such acts to the notice of the NMC (MCI code 1.7).
The NMC release also stated that sexual harassment or misbehaviour to patients by medical practitioners amounts to misconduct and even criminal offence. It reminded everyone in the fraternity to be very careful for their own protection (MCI Code7.4).
Medical practitioners shall in no account undertake sex determination test (MCI Code 7.6), it added.
Asserting that Government doctors posted in rural and urban areas not found in their place of posting amounts to misconduct and can even result in criminal negligence, NMC said the appointing authority may take disciplinary action as deemed fit. In case the state government recommends to the council for action under the regulation of MCI Code of Medical Ethics, the council is duty bound to initiate action as per the existing Code of Medical Ethics, the release said.
Research:
NMC mentioned that there are many Health Care Institutions claiming to be research centres. It said that research involving patients or volunteers should be as per the guidelines of ICMR and undertaken with proper ethical considerations. Any medical research should be mandatorily accountable. Any research involves some risk to the health and lives of the members involved. Therefore, it requires serious attention on the part of those who are associated with such research. It must avoid historical pitfalls and unethical research (MCI code 7.22), it added.
Medical camps:
With regard to medical camps, it said that medical camps are held to deliver good health care services for those who have still no access to normal services. It is a temporary arrangement at providing healthcare. Its primary aim should not be for publicity or profit. Proper planning in the selection of the area, type of health care services and logistics has to be done judiciously and dictated by the needs of the recipients. Camps can be general or specialised services tailored to the needs of ground realities. Failure to take proper permission, respecting the health laws, taking proper safety precautions and adopting proper sterility during the camps can have serious consequences on both the organisers of the camps and the patients it is meant to benefit, NMC stated.
Public have been informed that anybody can bring written complaints for any misconduct to the NMC. Such complaints will be investigated expeditiously and if those involved are found guilty, action will be taken as deemed fit by the Council according to the MCI code of ethics.
The NMC also reminded members of the fraternity and the public that the principle objective of the medical profession is to render service to humanity with full respect for the dignity of profession and man. The NMC also called upon the doctors that they should merit the confidence of patients who come for care and render to each patient their full measure of attention and care and most of all not to exploit them financially. “We the doctors of Nagaland have to regain and earn the respect and good will, which our society so undeservedly showers on us and our fraternity,” NMC added.
