Code of Medical Ethics Publication

http://www.tnmedicalcouncil.org/logo.aspx?code=33

TABLEOFCONTENTS
Logosymbology
TheCaduceusMedicalSymbol
TheGlobe
TheLamp
TheBalance
TheSheetAnchor
TheBook
TheRose
TheCornStem
Preamble
Chapter1codeofmedicalethics
1.01DisplayofMedicalDegreesandRegistrationNumber
1.02Declaration
1.03DutiesandresponsibilitiesofthePhysicianingeneral
1.04ThePhysician'sResponsibility
1.05Maintaininggoodmedicalpractice
1.06MembershipinMedicalSociety
1.07Maintenanceofmedicalrecords
1.08UseofGenericnamesofdrugs
1.09HighestQualityAssuranceinpatientcare
1.10ExposureofUnethicalConduct
1.11PaymentofProfessionalService
1.12EvasionofLegalRestriction
Chapter2Dutiesofphysicianstotheirpatients
2.01ObligationstotheSick
2.01.1
2.01.2
2.02Patience,DelicacyandSecrecy:
2.3Prognosis:
2.4ThePatientmustnotbeneglected:
2.5EngagementforanObstetriccase:
Chapter3:Dutiesofphysicianinconsultation
3.1Unnecessaryconsultationsshouldbeavoided
3.1.1
3.1.2
3.2ConsultationforPatientsBenefit
3.3PunctualityinConsultation

3.4StatementtopatientafterConsultation
3.4.1
3.4.2
3.5TreatmentafterConsultation
3.6PatientsReferredtoSpecialists
3.7Feesandothercharges
3.7.1
3.7.2
Note:
Chapter4:Responsibilitiesofphysicianstoeachother
4.1Conductinconsultation:
4.2Consultantnottotakechargeofthecase
4.3AppointmentofSubstitute
4.4VisitinganotherPhysician'sCase
4.5DependenceofPhysiciansoneachother
Chapter5:Dutiesofphysiciantothepublicandtotheparamedicalprofession
5.1PhysiciansasCitizens
5.2PublicandCommunityHealth
5.3Pharmacists/Nurses
Chapter6:Unethicalacts
6.1Advertising
6.1.1
6.1.2
6.2PatentandCopyrights
6.3Runninganopenshop(DispensingofDrugsandAppliancesbyPhysicians
6.4Rebates*andCommission**
6.4.1
6.4.2
6.5SecretRemedies
6.6HumanRights
6.7Euthanasia
Chapter7:Misconduct
7.01Violationoftheregulations
7.01.1
7.01.2
7.02AdulteryorImproperConduct
7.03ConvictionbyCourtofLaw
7.04SexDeterminationTests
7.05SigningProfessionalCertificates,ReportsandotherDocuments
7.06
7.07
7.08
Note:
7.09
7.10
7.11
7.12
7.13Shouldnotrefusetogiveprofessionalserviceonreligiousgrounds
7.14
7.15
7.16
7.17

7.18
7.19
7.20Research:
Chapter8:Punishmentanddisciplinaryaction
8.01
8.02
8.03
8.04
8.05
8.06
Hippocraticoath
BRIEFNOTEONHIPPOCRATICOATH
HIPPOCRATICOATH
Central/StatemedicalActs
TheIndianMedicalDegreesAct1916
TheIndianMedicalCouncilAct1956
TheDrugsandCosmeticsAct1940
TheDrugsandMagicRemedies(Objectionable)AdvertisementAct,1954.(DMRACT)
TheSchedule
PenalProvisionsagainstquacks
SupremeCourtJudgementonPracticeofotherSystemsofMedicine:
WhenaMedicalPractitioneriscalledtoappearasanexpertwitness:
AnimportantSupremeCourtjudgement
Nolegalimpedimentforamedicalprofessionaltoattendtoaninjuredpersonneedinghismedical
assistanceimmediatelysays:SupremeCourtofIndia:
Historyofallopathicmedicineinindia
Statemedicalcouncils&theirpowers

Logo symbology
TheCaduceusMedicalSymbol

ThisistheuniversalsymbolusedtodenotethefieldofMedicine.Themythicalsignificanceofthissymbolis
thatthecaduceusisbelievedtobethemagicrodofHermestheGreekmessengeroftheGods.Accordingto
legend,hermesissupposedtohavepacifiedtwofightingsnakesbythrowingthewandatthem,andthey
stoppedfightingandbecameentwinedinthewand.Snakesarealsoreveredinmanyculturesastheyare
believedtohavealonglifespanduetotheirabilitytorenewtheircellsandkeepthemeveryouthfulby
sheddingtheirskin.

TheGlobe

ThisrepresentsthefarreachingimpactoftheTNMedicalCouncilwithourdoctorsfrequentlytakingthe
bannerofourmedicalheritageallovertheworldandmakingtheirinvaluablecontributionstothefieldof
medicinewhereevertheygo.

TheLamp

ThisisaculturalsymbolthatportraystheglorioustraditionsofTamilNadu.Thelampisalsoanuniversal
symboltodenoteknowledge,throwinglight,enlightenment,etc.,

TheBalance

ThisisagainanuniversalsymbolthatdenotesJustice.ToupholdjusticeisacoreactivityoftheCouncil.

TheSheetAnchor
ThisdenotesthestabilityandunshakeablenatureoftheCouncileveninfacingadverseconditions.Likea
sheetanchorthatfirmlygrapplesandprotectsamightyship,theCouncilprotectseverybodyunderitshold
thedoctorsaswellasthegeneralpublicandensuresthatthehonourablepracticeofmedicineisalways
carriedoutforthemaximumbenefitofhumanity.

TheBook
Thedenotesthefieldofeducation,researchandprogressinthefieldofmedicineandtheCouncil'sactivepart
infurtheringthecauseofmedicine.Themicroscopedenotesthefieldofresearchthepetridishdenotesthe
subjectofbiologicalsciencethebeakersdenotethedrugresearchandthesyringe,tonic,capsulesand
tabletsdenotetheoutcomeoftheresearch.

TheRose
Theroseisauniversallyfavouriteobjecttodescribethehealthinessofaperson,especiallyinpoetrywherea
healthypersonisoftendescribedasbeinginthepinkofhishealth.Thethornsaroundtherosedenotethe
protectionfortherose,toensurethatitisnotdestroyedbyevilhands.ThisdenotestheactivityoftheCouncil
aswatchdogtoprotectthepublicfromquacksandcheats.

TheCornStem

ThisisacommonfeatureintheinsigniasofGovernmentsandeducationalinstitutionsworldwide.This
denotesthenatureoftheCouncilasabodysupportedbytheGovernment.

Preamble
TheTamilNaduMedicalCouncilCodeofMedicalEthicsprovidesasetoffundamentalprinciples,officialset
oflawsorregulationswhichshouldguidetheMedicalPractitionersintheirprofessionalconduct.Ethicsis
definedasthescienceofmoralprinciples.Ethicsisanappealtotheconscienceandmoreoftenthannot,it
helpsthepeopleintreading/walkingrightpaths.MedicalEthicsdealswiththemoralprincipleswhichshould
guidethemembersofthemedicalprofessionintheirdealingswitheachother,theirpatientsandtheState.
MedicalEtiquettedealswiththeconventionallawsofcourtesyobservedbetweenmembersofthemedical
profession.MedicalEtiquettedealswiththeconventionallawsofcourtesyobservedbetweenmembersofthe
medicalprofession.Becauseoftheirspecialknowledgeandexpertise,thedoctorshavearesponsibilityto
improveandmaintainthehealthoftheirpatientswho,areeitherinavulnerablestateofillnessorforthe

maintenanceoftheirhealth,entrustthemselvestomedicalcare.Overthecenturies,doctorshaveheldtoa
bodyofethicalprinciplesdevelopedtoguidetheirbehaviourtowardspatients,theirprofessionalcolleagues,
peersandsociety.TheHippocraticOath*wasanearlyexpressionofsuchaCode.Asamemberofmedical
profession,aphysicianmustrecognizeresponsibilitytopatientsfirstandforemost,aswellastosociety,to
otherhealthprofessionals,andtoself.TheloftyidealssetupbyCharakatheancientIndianPhilosopherand
Physicianinhisenunciation,"Evenifyourownlifebeindanger,youshouldnotneglectorbetraytheinterest
ofyourpatients",shouldbefondlycherishedbyalldoctors.Themedicalprofessionisgovernedbylegislation
andbyaCodeofEthicsandEtiquette.EnforcementoftheCodeisdonebytheMedicalCouncils.The
followingprinciplesadoptedbytheTamilNaduMedicalCouncilarestandardsofconductwhichdefinethe
essentialsofhonourablebehaviourforthephysician.Advancingmedicalknowledgeandtechnologycreate
newchallengingethicalproblems.TheEthicsCommitteeoftheTamilNaduMedicalCouncilwilladdressthese
issuesfromtimetotime.TheCodeappliestophysiciansincludinghousesurgeons/residentsandmedical
students.

Chapter - 1 code of medical ethics

1.01DisplayofMedicalDegreesandRegistrationNumber

EveryphysicianshalldisplaytheregistrationnumberaccordedtohimbytheStateMedicalCouncil/Medical
CouncilofIndiainhisclinicandinallhisprescriptions,certificates,moneyreceiptsgiventohispatients.
Physicianshalldisplayassuffixtotheirnamesonlyrecognizedmedicaldegreesorsuchcertificates/diplomas
andmemberships/honourswhichconferprofessionalknowledgeorrecognizesanyexemplary
qualification/achievements.

1.02Declaration

Eachapplicant,atthetimeofmakinganapplicationforregistrationundertheprovisionofAct,shallbe
providedacopyofthedeclarationandshallsubmitadulysignedDeclarationasprovidedinAppendix1.The
applicantshallalsocertifythathe/shehadreadandagreedtoabidebythesame.

1.03DutiesandresponsibilitiesofthePhysicianingeneral

CharacterofPhysician(DoctorwithqualificationofMBBSorMBBSwithpostgraduatedegree/diplomaorwith
equivalentqualificationonanymedicaldiscipline)Aphysicianshallupholdthedignityandhonourofhis
profession.

1.04ThePhysician'sResponsibility
Theprimeobjectofthemedicalprofessionistorenderservicetohumanityrewardorfinancialgainisa
subordinateconsideration.Whosoeverchooseshisprofession,assumestheobligationtoconducthimselfin
accordancewithitsideals.Aphysicianshouldbeanuprightman,instructedintheartofhealings.Heshall
keephimselfpureincharacterandbediligentincaringforthesickheshouldbemodest,sober,patient
promptindischarginghisdutywithoutanxietyconductinghimselfwithproprietyinhisprofessionandinallthe
actionofhislife.NopersonotherthanadoctorhavingqualificationrecognizedbyMedicalCouncilofIndiaand
registeredwithMedicalCouncilofIndia/StateMedicalCouncil(s)isallowedtopracticemodernsystemof
MedicineorSurgery.ApersonobtainingqualificationinanyothersystemofMedicineisnotallowedtopractice
ModernsystemofMedicineinanyform.

1.05Maintaininggoodmedicalpractice
ThePrincipalobjectiveofthemedicalprofessionistorenderservicetohumanitywithfullrespectforthe
dignityofprofessionandman.Physiciansshouldmerittheconfidenceofpatiententrustedtotheircare,
renderingtoeachafullmeasureofserviceanddevotion.Physicianshouldtrycontinuouslytoimprovemedical
knowledgeandskillsandshouldmakeavailabletotheirpatientsandcolleaguesthebenefitsoftheir
professionalattainments.Thephysicianshouldpracticemethodsofhealingfoundedonscientificbasisand
shouldnotassociateprofessionallywithanyonewhoviolatesthisprincipal.Thehonouredidealsofthemedical
professionimplythattheresponsibilitiesofthephysicianextendnotonlytoindividualsalsotosociety.

1.06MembershipinMedicalSociety

Fortheadvancementoftheprofession,aphysicianshouldaffiliatewithassociationandsocietiesofallopathic
medialprofessionsandinvolvesactivelyinthefunctioningsuchbodies.APhysicianshouldparticipatein
professionalmeetingsaspartofContinuingMedicalEducationprogrammes,foratleast30hourseveryfive
years,Organizedbyreputedprofessionalacademicbodiesoranyotherauthorizedorganizations.The
complianceofthisrequirementshallbeinformedregularlytoTamilNaduMedicalCouncil.

1.07Maintenanceofmedicalrecords
Everyphysicianshallmaintainthemedicalrecordspertainingtohis/herindoorpatientsforaperiodof3years
fromthedateofcommencementofthetreatmentinastandardproformalaiddownbytheMedicalCouncilof
IndiaandattachedasAppendix3.Ifanyrequestismadeformedicalrecordseitherbythepatients/authorized
attendantorlegalauthoritiesinvolved,thesamemaybedulyacknowledgedanddocumentsshallbeissued
withintheperiodof72hours.AregisteredmedicalpractitionershallmaintainaRegisterofMedicalCertificates
givingfulldetailsofcertificatesissued.Whenissuingamedicalcertificatehe/sheshallalwaysenterthe
identificationmarksofthepatientandkeepacopyofthecertificate.He/Sheshallnotomittorecordthe
signatureand/orthumbmark,addressandleastoneidentificationmarkofthepatientonthemedical
certificatesorreport.ThemedicalcertificateshallbepreparedasinAppendix2.Effortsshallbemadeto
computerizemedicalrecordsforquickretrieval.

1.08UseofGenericnamesofdrugs

Everyphysicianshould,asfaraspossible,prescribedrugswithgenericnamesandhe/sheshallensurethat
thereisarationalprescriptionanduseofdrugs.

1.09HighestQualityAssuranceinpatientcare

Everyphysicianshouldaidinsafeguardingtheprofessionagainstadmissiontoitofthosewhoaredeficientin
moralcharacteroreducation.Physicianshallnotemployinconnectionwithhisprofessionalpracticeany
attendanttowhoisneitherregisterednorenlistedundertheMedicalactsinforceandshallnorpermitsuch
personstoattend,treatorperformoperationsuponpatientswhereverprofessionaldiscretionorskillis
required.

1.10ExposureofUnethicalConduct

APhysicianshouldexpose,withoutfearorfavour,incompetentorcorrupt,dishonestorunethicalconducton
thepartofmembersoftheprofession.

1.11PaymentofProfessionalService

Thephysicianengagedinpracticeofmedicineshallgiveprioritytotheinterestofpatients.Thepersonal
financialinterestsofashouldnotconflictwiththemedicalinterestsofthepatients.Remunerationreceivedfor
suchservicesshouldbeintheformandamountspecificallyannouncedtothepatientatthetimetheserviceis
rendered.Itisunethicaltoenterintoacontractof"nocurenopayment".Physicianrenderingserviceson
behalfoftheStateshallrefrainfromanticipatingoracceptinganyconsideration.

1.12EvasionofLegalRestriction

Thephysicianwillobservethelawsofthecountryinregulatingthepracticeofmedicineandwillalsonotassist
otherstoevadesuchlaws.Heshouldbecooperativeinobservanceandenforcementofsanitarylawsand
regulationsintheinterestofpublichealth.Legislationandcourtdecisionsmayalsoinfluencemedicalethics.
HenceMedicalPractitionersmustbefamiliarwiththevariousActs,RulesandRegulationsthatareinforce
andwhichhavebeenenactedbytheCentralorStateGovernment,Statutorybodies,TamilNaduMedical
CouncilandtheIndianMedicalCouncil.Unlessheisfamiliarwithalltherelevantlawsandregulationshemay
findhimselfinadvertentlycontraveningtheseandcourtingtrouble.AMedicalPractitionermustaboveallbea
goodcitizenandmustupholdanddefendthelawsoftheStateandtheNation.Aphysicianshouldobservethe
provisionsoftheStateActslikeDrugsandCosmeticsAct,1940PharmacyAct,1948NarcoticDrugsand
PsychotropicSubstancesAct,1985MedicalTerminationofPregnancyAct,1971TransplantationofHuman
OrganAct,1994MentalHealthAct,1987EnvironmentalProtectionAct1986PrenatalSexDetermination
TestAct,1994DrugsandMagicRemedies(ObjectionableAdvertisement)Act,1954PersonswithDisabilities
(EqualOpportunitiesandFullParticipation)Act,1995andBioMedicalWaste(ManagementandHandling)
Rules,1998andsuchotherActs,Rules,RegulationsmadebytheCentral/StateGovernmentsorlocal
AdministrativeBodiesoranyotherrelevantActrelatingtotheprotectionandpromotionofpublichealth.

Chapter - 2 Duties of physicians to their patients

2.01ObligationstotheSick
2.01.1
Throughaphysicianisnotboundtotreateachandeverypersonaskinghisservices,heshouldnotonlybe
everreadytorespondtothecallsofthesickandtheinjured,butshouldbemindfulofthehighcharacterof
hismissionandtheresponsibilityhedischargesinthecourseofhisprofessionalduties.Inhistreatmenthe
shouldneverforgetthatthehealthandthelivesofthoseentrustedtohiscaredependonhisskilland
attention.Aphysicianshallwhilecaringforapatientregardresponsibilitytothepatientasparamount.A
physicianshouldendeavourtoaddtocomfortofthesickbymakinghisvisitsatthehourindicatedtothe
patient.Aphysicianadvisingapatienttoseekserviceofanotherphysicianisacceptable,however,incase
ofemergencyaphysicianmusttreatthepatient.Nophysicianshallarbitrarilyrefusetreatmenttoapatient.
Howeverforgoodreason,whenapatientsufferingfromanailmentwhichisnotwithintherangeof
experienceofthetreatingphysician,thephysicianmayrefusetreatmentandreferthepatienttoanother
physician.

2.01.2
Medicalpractitionerhavinganyincapacitydetrimentaltothepatientorwhichcanaffecthis
performancevisvisthepatientisnotpermittedtopracticehisprofession

2.02Patience,DelicacyandSecrecy:
Patienceanddelicacyshouldcharacterizethephysician.Confidencesconcerningindividualordomesticlife
entrustedbypatientstoaphysiciananddefectsinthedispositionorcharacterofpatientsobservedduring
medicalattendanceshouldneverberevealedunlesstheirrevelationisrequiredbythelawsoftheState.
Sometimes,however,aphysicianmustdeterminewhetherhisdutytosocietyrequireshimtoemploy
knowledge,obtainedthroughconfidenceasaphysician,toprotectahealthypersonagainstacommunicable
diseasetowhichheisabouttobeexposed.Insuchinstance,thephysicianshouldactashewouldwish
anothertoacttowardoneofhisownfamilyinlikecircumstances.

2.3Prognosis:
Thephysicianshouldneitherexaggeratenorminimizethegravityofapatientscondition.Heshouldensure
himselfthatthepatient,hisrelativesorhisresponsiblefriendshavesuchknowledgeofthepatientscondition
aswillservethebestinterestsofthepatientandthefamily.

2.4ThePatientmustnotbeneglected:
Aphysicianisfreetochoosewhomhewillserve.Heshould,however,respondtoanyrequestforhis
assistanceinanemergency.Oncehavingundertakenacase,thephysicianshouldnotneglectthepatient,nor
shouldhewithdrawfromthecasewithoutgivingadequatenoticetothepatientandhisfamily.Provisionallyor
fullyregisteredmedicalpractitionershallnotwillfullycommitanactofnegligencethatmaydeprivehispatient
orpatientsfromnecessarymedicalcare.

2.5EngagementforanObstetriccase:
Whenaphysicianwhohasbeenengagedtoattendanobstetriccaseisabsentandanotherissentforand
deliveryaccomplished,theactingphysicianisentitledtohisprofessionalfees,butshouldsecurethepatients
consenttoresignonthearrivalofthephysicianengaged.

Chapter - 3 : Duties of physician in consultation

3.1Unnecessaryconsultationsshouldbeavoided
3.1.1
Howeverincaseofseriousillnessandindoubtfulordifficultconditions,thephysicianshouldrequest
consultation,butunderanycircumstancessuchconsultationshouldbejustifiableandintheinterestof
thepatientonlyandnotforanyotherconsideration.

3.1.2
Consultingpathologists/radiologistsoraskingforanyotherdiagnosticLabinvestigationshouldbedone
judiciouslyandnotinaroutinemanner.

3.2ConsultationforPatientsBenefit

Ineveryconsultation,thebenefittothepatientisofforemostimportance.Allphysiciansengagedinthecase
shouldbefrankwiththepatientandhisattendants.

3.3PunctualityinConsultation
Utmostpunctualityshouldbeobservedbyphysiciansinmakingthemselvesavailableforconsultations.

3.4StatementtopatientafterConsultation

3.4.1
Allstatementstothepatientorhisrepresentativesshouldtakeplaceinthepresenceoftheconsulting
physicians,exceptasotherwiseagreed.Thedisclosureoftheopiniontothepatientorhisrelativesor
friendsshallrestwiththemedicalattendant.

3.4.2
Differencesofopinionshouldnotbedivulgedunnecessarilybutwhenthereisirreconcilabledifference
ofopinionthecircumstancesshouldbefranklyandimpartiallyexplainedtothepatientorhisrelatives
orfriends.Itwouldbeopentothemtoseekfurtheradviceastheyasdesire.

3.5TreatmentafterConsultation

Nodecisionshouldrestraintheattendingphysicianfrommakingsuchsubsequentvariationsinthetreatmentif
anyunexpectedchangeoccurs,butatthenextconsultation,reasonsforthevariationsshouldbe
discussed/explained.Thesameprivilege,withitsobligations,belongstotheconsultantwhensentforinan
emergencyduringtheabsenceofattendingphysician.Theattendingphysicianmayprescribemedicineatany
timeforthepatient,whereastheconsultantmayprescribeonlyincaseofemergencyorasanexpertwhen
calledfor.

3.6PatientsReferredtoSpecialists
Whenapatientisreferredtoaspecialistbytheattendingphysician,acasesummaryofthepatientshouldbe
giventothespecialist,whoshouldcommunicatehisopinioninwritingtotheattendingphysician.

3.7Feesandothercharges

3.7.1
APhysicianshallinformhisfeesandotherchargestoapatientbeforerenderingserviceandnotafter
theoperationortreatmentisunderway.Prescriptionshouldalsomakeclearthatthephysicianhimself
dispensedanymedicine.

3.7.2
Aphysicianshallwritehisnameanddesignationinfullalongwithregistrationparticularsinhis
prescriptionletterhead.

Note:
InGovernmenthospitalwherethepatientloadisheavy,thenameoftheprescribingdoctormustbe
writtenbelowhis/hersignature.

Chapter - 4 : Responsibilities of physicians to each other

4.1Conductinconsultation:
Inconsultations,noinsincerity,rivalryorenvyshouldbeindulgedin.Allduerespectshouldbeobserved
towardsthephysicianinchargeofthecaseandnostatementorremarkbemade,whichimpairtheconfidence
reposedinhim.Forthispurposenodiscussionshouldbecarriedoninthepresenceofthepatientorhis
representatives.ThePhysicianshouldrefrainfrommakingcommentswhichmayneedlesslydamagethe
reputationofacolleagueorcauseanxietytoapatient.APhysicianatalltimesbeinreadinesstoassist
colleagueswithinformationoradvice.

4.2Consultantnottotakechargeofthecase
Whenaphysicianhasbeencalledforconsultation,theConsultantshouldnormallynottakechargeofthe
case,especiallyonthesolicitationofthepatientorfriends.TheConsultantshallnotcriticizethereferring
physician.He/sheshalldiscussthediagnosistreatmentplanwiththereferringphysician.

4.3AppointmentofSubstitute
Wheneveraphysicianrequestsanotherphysiciantoattendhispatientsduringhistemporaryabsencefromhis
practice,professionalcourtesyrequirestheacceptanceofsuchappointmentonlywhenhehasthecapacityto
dischargetheadditionalresponsibilityalongwithhis/herotherduties.Thephysicianactingundersuchan
appointmentshouldgivetheutmostconsiderationtotheinterestsandreputationoftheabsentphysicianand
allsuchpatientsshouldberestoredtothecareofthelatteruponhis/herreturn.

4.4VisitinganotherPhysician'sCase

Whenitbecomesthedutyofaphysicianoccupyinganofficialpositiontoseeandreportuponanillnessor
injury,heshouldcommunicatetothephysicianinattendancesoastogivehimanoptionofbeingpresent.The
medicalofficer/physicianoccupyinganofficialpositionshouldavoidremarksuponthediagnosisorthe
treatmentthathasbeenadopted.

4.5DependenceofPhysiciansoneachother
Aphysicianshouldconsideritasapleasureandprivilegetorendergratuitousservicetoallphysiciansand
theirimmediatefamilydependants.

Chapter - 5 : Duties of physician to the public and to the

paramedical profession
5.1PhysiciansasCitizens

Physicians,asgoodcitizens,possessedofspecialtrainingshoulddisseminateadviceonpublichealthissues.
Theyshouldplaytheirpartinenforcingthelawsofthecommunityandinsustainingtheinstitutionsthat
advancetheinterestsofhumanity.Theyshouldparticularlycooperatewiththeauthoritiesintheadministration
ofsanitary/publichealthlawsandregulations.

5.2PublicandCommunityHealth
Physicians,especiallythoseengagedinpublichealthwork,shouldenlightenthepublicconcerningquarantine
regulationsandmeasuresforthepreventionofepidemicandcommunicablediseases.Atalltimesthe
physicianshouldnotifytheconstitutedpublichealthauthoritiesofeverycaseofcommunicablediseaseunder
hiscare,inaccordancewiththelaws,rulesandregulationsofthehealthauthorities.Whenanepidemicoccurs
aphysicianshouldnotabandonhisdutyforfearofcontractingthediseasehimself.

5.3Pharmacists/Nurses
Physiciansshouldrecognizeandpromotethepracticeofdifferentservicessuchas,pharmacyandnursingas
pharmacyandnursingasprofessionsandshouldseektheircooperationwhereverrequired.

Chapter - 6 : Unethical acts

6.1Advertising
6.1.1
Solicitingofpatientsdirectlyorindirectly,byaphysician,byagroupofphysiciansorbyinstitutionsor
organizationsisunethical.Aphysicianshallnotmakeuseofhim/her(orhis/hername)assubjectof
anyformormannerofadvertisingorpublicitythroughanymodeeitheraloneorinconjunctionwith
otherswhichisofsuchacharacterastoinviteattentiontohimortohisprofessionalposition,skill,
qualification,achievements,attainments,specialities,appointments,associations,affiliationsor
honoursand/orofsuchcharacteraswouldordinarilyresultinhisselfaggrandizement.Aphysician
shallnotgivetoanyperson,whetherforcompensationorotherwise,anyapproval,recommendation,
endorsement,certificate,reportorstatementwithrespectofanydrug,medicine,nostrumremedy,
surgical,ortherapeuticarticle,apparatusorusethereoforanytest,demonstrationortrialthereof,for
useinconnectionwithhisname,signature,orphotographinanyformormannerofadvertisingthrough
anymodenorshallbeboastofcases,operations,curesorremediesorpermitthepublicationofreport
thereofthroughanymode.Amedicalpractitionerishoweverpermittedtomakeaformal
announcementinpressregardingthefollowing:

1. Onstartingpractice.
2. Onchangeoftypeofpractice.
3. Onchangingaddress.
4. Ontemporaryabsencefromduty.
5. Onresumptionofanotherpractice.
6. Onsucceedingtoanotherpractice.
7. Publicdeclarationcharges.

6.1.2
Printingofselfphotograph,oranysuchmaterialofpublicityintheletterheadoronsignboardofthe
consultingroomoranysuchclinicalestablishmentshallberegardedasactsof,selfadvertisementand
unethicalconductonthepartofthephysician.However,printingofsketches,diagrams,pictureof
systemshallnotbetreatedasunethical

6.2PatentandCopyrights

Aphysicianmaypresentsurgicalinstruments,appliancesandmedicineorCopyrightapplications,methods
andprocedures.However,itshallbeunethicalifthebenefitsofsuchpatentsorcopyrightsarenotmade
availableinsituationswheretheinterestoflargepopulationisinvolved.

6.3Runninganopenshop(DispensingofDrugsandAppliancesby
Physicians
Aphysicianshouldnotrunanopenshopforsaleofmedicinefordispensingprescriptionsprescribedby
doctorsotherthanhimselforforsaleofmedicalorsurgicalappliancesItisnotunethicalforaphysicianto
prescribeorsupplydrugs,remediesorappliancesaslongasthereisnoexploitationofthepatient.Drugs
prescribedbyaphysicianorbroughtfromthemarketforapatientshouldexplicitlystatetheproprietary
formulaeaswellasgenericnameofthedrug.

6.4Rebates*andCommission**

6.4.1
Aphysicianshallnotgive,solicit,orreceivenorshallheoffertogivesolicitorreceiveanygift,gratuity,
commissionorbonusinconsiderationoforreturnforthereferring,recommendingorprocuringofany
patientformedical,surgicalorothertreatmentAphysicianshallnotdirectlyorindirectly,participatein
orbeapartytoactofdivision,transference,assignment,subordination,rebating,splittingorrefunding
ofanyfeeformedical,surgicalorothertreatment.

6.4.2
Provisionsofpara64.1shallapplywithequalforcetothereferring,recommendingorprocuringbya
physicianoranyotherperson,specimenormaterialfordiagnosticpurposesorotherstudy/work.
Nothinginthissection,however,shallprohibitpaymentofsalariesbyaqualifiedphysiciantootherduly
qualifiedpersonrenderingmedicalcareunderhissupervision.

6.5SecretRemedies

Theprescribingordispensingbyaphysicianofsecretremedialagentsofwhichhedoesnotknowthe
composition,orthemanufactureorpromotionoftheiruseisunethicalandassuchprohibited.Allthedrugs
prescribedbyaphysicianshouldalwayscarryaproprietaryformulaandclearname.

6.6HumanRights
Thephysicianshallnotaidorabettorturenorshallhebeapartytoeitherinflectionofmentalorphysical
traumaorconcealmentoftortureinflictedbysomeotherpersonoragencyinclearviolationofbasichuman
rights.

6.7Euthanasia
Practicingeuthanasiashallconstituteunethicalconduct.Howeveronspecificoccasion,thequestionof
withdrawingsupportingdevicestosustaincardiopulmonaryfunctionevenafterbraindeath,shallbedecided
onlybyateamofdoctorsandnotmerelybythetreatingphysicianalone.Ateamofdoctorsshalldeclare
withdrawalofsupportsystem.Suchteamshallconsistofthedoctorinchargeofthepatient,ChiefMedical

Officer/MedicalOfficerinchargeofthehospitalandadoctornominatedbytheinchargeofthehospitalstaff
fromthehospitalstafforinaccordancewiththeprovisionsoftheTransplantationofHumanOrganAct,1994.

Chapter - 7 : Misconduct
7.01Violationoftheregulations

7.01.1
Ifhe/shedoesnotmaintainthemedicalrecordsofhis/herindoorpatientsforaperiodofthreeyearsas
perregulation1.3andrefusestoprovidethesamewithin72hourswhenthepatientorhis/her
authorizedrepresentativemakesarequestforitasperregulation1.3.

7.01.2
Ifhe/shedoesnotdisplaytheregistrationnumberaccordedtohim/herbytheTamilNaduMedical
Councilinhis/herclinic,prescriptionsandcertificatesetc.issuedbyhimorviolatestheprovisionof
regulation1.4.2(displayofrecognizedmedicaldegrees)

7.02AdulteryorImproperConduct
Abusesofprofessionalpositionbycommittingadulteryorimproperconductwithapatientorbymaintainingan
improperassociationwithapatientwillrenderaphysicianliablefordisciplinaryactionasprovidedunderthe
TamilNaduMedicalRegistrationAct,1914ortheIndianMedicalCouncilAct.1956.

7.03ConvictionbyCourtofLaw

ConvictionbyacourtofLawforoffencesinvolvingmoralturpitude/Criminalacts.

7.04SexDeterminationTests
Onnoaccountsexdeterminationtestshallbeundertakenwiththeintenttoterminatethelifeofafemale
foetusdevelopinginhermother'swomb,unlessthereareotherabsoluteindicationsforterminationof
pregnancyasspecifiedintheMedicalTerminationofPregnancyAct,1971.Anyactofterminationof
pregnancyofnormalfemalefoetusamountingtofemalefoeticideshallberegardedasprofessional
misconductonthepartofthephysicianleadingtopenalerasure,besidesrenderinghimliabletocriminal
proceedingsaspertheprovisionsoftheaboveAct.

7.05SigningProfessionalCertificates,ReportsandotherDocuments
Registeredmedicalpractitionersareincertaincasesboundbylawtogive,ormayfromtimetotimebecalled
uponorrequestedtogivecertificates,notification,reportsandotherdocumentsofsimilarcharactersignedby
themintheirprofessionalcapacityforsubsequentuseinthecourtsorforadministrativepurposesetc.Such
documents,amongothers,includetheonesgivenatAppendix4.Anyregisteredpractitionerwhoisshownto
havesignedorgivenhisnameandauthorityanysuchcertificate,notification,reportordocumentofasimilar
characterwhichisuntrue,misleadingorimproper,isliabletohavehisnamedeletedfromtheStateMedical
Register.

7.06
AregisteredmedicalpractitionershallnotcontravenetheprovisionsoftheDrugsandCosmeticsAct*andthe
Regulationsmadethereunder.

Accordingly.
A. Prescribingsteroids/psychotropicdrugswhenthereisnoabsolutemedicalindication.
B. SellingScheduleG,H,L&Xdrugsandpoisonstothepublicexcepttohispatientin
contraventionoftheaboveprovisions
shallconstitutegrossprofessionalmisconductonthepartofthephysician.

7.07
Performingorenablingunqualifiedpersontoperformanabortionoranyillegaloperationforwhichthereisno
medical,surgicalorpsychologicalindication.

7.08
Aregisteredmedicalpractitionershallnotissuecertificatesofefficiencyinmodernmedicinetounqualifiedor
nonmedicalperson.

Note:
Theforegoingdoesnotrestrictthepropertrainingandinstructionofbonafidestudents,midwives,
dispensers,surgicalattendantsorskilledmechanicalandtechnicalassistantsandtherapyassistants
underthepersonalsupervisionofphysicians.

7.09
Aphysicianshouldnotcontributetothelaypressarticlesandgiveinterviewsregardingdiseasesand
treatmentswhichmayhavetheeffectofadvertisinghimselforsolicitingpracticebutisopentowritetothelay
pressunderhisownname(WithoutSelfPhotograph)onmattersofpublichealth,hygieniclivingortodeliver
publiclectures,givetalksontheratio/TV/internetchatforthesamepurposeandsendannouncementofthe
sametolaypress.

7.10
Aninstitutionrunbyaphysicianforaparticularpurposesuchasamaternityhome,nursinghome,private
hospital,rehabilitationcentreoranytypeoftraininginstitutionetc.,maybeadvertisedinthelaypress,but
suchadvertisementsshouldnotcontainanythingmorethanthenameoftheinstitution,typeofpatients
admitted,typeoftrainingandotherfacilitiesofferedandthefees.

7.11
Itisimproperforaphysiciantouseanunusuallylargesignboardandwriteonitanythingotherthanhisname,
qualificationobtainedfromaUniversityorastatutorybody,titlesandnameofhisspeciality,registration
numberincludingthenameoftheStateMedicalCouncilunderwhichregistered.Thesameshouldbethe
contentsofhisprescriptionpapersalso.Itisimpropertoaffixasignboardonachemistsshoporinplaces
wherehedoesnotresideorwork.

7.12
Theregisteredmedicalpractitionershallnotdisclosethesecretsofapatientthathavebeenlearntinthe
exercisesofhis/herprofessionexceptInacourtoflawunderordersofthepresidingJudgeIn
cirucumstanceswherethereisaseriousandidentifiedrisktoaspecificpersonand/orcommunityNotificable
diseases.Incaseofcommunicable/notificablediseases,concernedpublichealthauthoritiesshouldbe
informedimmediately.

7.13Shouldnotrefusetogiveprofessionalserviceonreligiousgrounds
Theregisteredmedicalpractitionershallnotrefuseonreligiousgroundsalonetogiveassistanceinorconduct
ofsterility,birthcontrol,circumcisionandmedicalterminationofpregnancywhenthereismedicalindication,
unlessthemedicalpractitionerfeelshimself/herselfincompetenttodoso.

7.14
Beforeperforminganoperationthephysicianshouldobtaininwritingtheconsentfromthehusbandorwife,
parentorguardianinthecaseofminor,orthepatienthimselfasthecasemaybe.Inanoperationwhichmay
resultinsterilitytheconsentofbothhusbandandwifeisneeded.

7.15
Aregisteredmedicalpractitionershallnotpublishphotographsorcasereportsofhis/herpatientswithouttheir
permission,inanymedicalorotherjournalinamannerbywhichtheiridentitycouldbemadeout.Iftheidentity
isnotbedisclosed,theconsentisnotneeded.

7.16
IntheCaseofrunningofanursinghomebyaphysicianandemployingassistantstohelphim/her,the
ultimateresponsibilityrestsonthephysician.

7.17
Aphysicianshallnotusetoutsoragentsforprocuringpatients.

7.18
Aphysicianshallnotclaimtobespecialistunlesshehasspecialqualificationinthatbranch.

7.19
Noactofinvitrofertilizationorartificialinseminationshallbeundertakenwithouttheinformedconsenttothe
femalepatientandherspouseaswellasthedonor.Suchconsentshallbeobtainedinwritingonlyafterthe
patientisprovided,atherownlevelofcomprehension,withsufficientinformationaboutthepurpose,methods,
risks,inconveniences,disappointmentsoftheprocedureandpossiblerisksandhazards.

7.20Research:
ClinicaldrugtrialsorotherresearchinvolvingpatientsorvolunteersaspertheguidelinesofIndianCouncilof
MedicalResearchcanbeundertaken,providedethicalconsiderationsareborneinmind.


ViolationofexistingICMRguidelinesindrugortherapywhichisnotinconsonancewiththeguidelinesshall
alsobeconstruedasmisconduct.

Chapter - 8 : Punishment and disciplinary action

8.01
Itmustbeclearlyunderstoodthattheinstancesofoffencesandofprofessionalmisconductwhicharegiven
abovedonotconstituteandarenotintendedtoconstituteacompletelistoftheinfamousactswhichcallsfor
disciplinaryaction,andthatbyissuingthisnoticetheTamilNaduMedical/MedicalCouncilofIndiaareinno
wayprecludedfromconsideringanddealingwithanyotherformofprofessionalmisconductonthepartofa
registeredmedicalpractitioner.Circumstancesmayanddoarisefromtimetotimeinrelationtowhichthere
mayoccurquestionsofprofessionalmisconductwhichdonotcomewithinanyofthesecategories.Everycare
shouldbetakenthatthecodeisnotviolatedinletterorspirit.Insuchinstancesasinallothers,theTamilNadu
MedicalCouncil/MedicalCouncilofIndiahavetoconsideranddecideuponthefactsbroughtbeforethe
council(s).

8.02
ItismadeclearthatanycompliantwithregardtoprofessionalmisconductcanbebroughtbeforetheTamil
NaduCouncilforDisciplinaryaction.Uponreceiptofanycomplaintofprofessionalmisconduct,theTamil
NaduMedicalCouncilwouldholdanenquiryandgiveopportunitytotheregisteredmedicalpractitionertobe
heardinpersonorbypleader.Ifthemedicalpractitionerisfoundtobeguiltyofcommittingprofessional
misconduct,theTamilNaduMedicalCouncilmayawardsuchpunishmentasdeemednecessaryormaydirect
theremovalaltogetherorforaspecifiedperiod,fromtheregisterofthenameofthedelinquentregistered
practitioner.DeletionfromtheRegistershallbewidelypublicizedinlocalpressaswellasinthepublicationsof
differentMedicalAssociations/Societies/Bodies.

8.03
Incasethepublishmentofremovalfromtheregisterisforalimitedperiod,theTamilNaduMedicalCouncil
mayalsodirectthatthenamewasorderedtoberemoved.

8.04
Decisiononcomplaintagainstdelinquentphysicianshallbetakenwithinatimelimitof6months.

8.05
DuringthependencyofthecomplainttheTamilNaduMedicalCouncilmayrestrainthephysicianfrom
performingtheprocedureorpracticewhichisunderscrutiny.

8.06
ProfessionalincompetenceshallbejudgedbypeergroupasperguidelinesprescribedbyTamilNaduMedical
Council/medicalCouncilofIndia.

Hippocratic oath
BRIEFNOTEONHIPPOCRATICOATH
ThisisattributedtotheGreekphysicianHippocrates(460BC377BC)whoisknownasthe"Fatherof
WesternMedicine".HippocrateswasbornandpracticedintheislandofKosinGreece.Hisnameis
synonymouswithethicsandhighproficiencyintheartofhealings.Hiswritingsweremainlyresponsiblefor
providingafirmscientificbasisformedicineandalsodistinguishingitfromphilosophyandreligion.Fromthe
writingsofHippocratesonelearnsthemedicinewasnotboundbysuperstitionbutbasedoncareful
observationandinference.Hippocratescametoberegardedastheidealphysicianinthe2ndcenturyA.D.
andeventodaypeopleallovertheworldspeakofthenoblequalitiesembodiedinthe"Hippocraticworld"
whichserveastheconscienceofthedoctorinhissacredhealingart.GreatpersonslikeHippocratesare
alwaysrememberedforthecontributionstheyhavemadetothebettermentofthehumanityInthiscontextthe
followingimmortalwordsofHippocratesringastruetodayastheydidwhichtheywereutteredcenturiesage.
"LifeisshortandtheArt(ofmedicine)longtheopportunityfleeting,experimentdangerousandjudgement
difficult".

HIPPOCRATICOATH

IsolemnlypledgemyselftoconsecratemylifetotheserviceofhumanityIwillgivetomyteacherstherespect
andgratitudewhichistheirdueIwillpracticemyprofessionwithconscienceanddignityThehealthofmy
patientwillbemyfirstconsiderationIwillrespectthesecretswhichareconfidedinmeIwillmaintainbyall
themeansinmypower,thehonourandthenobletraditionofthemedicalprofessionMycolleagueswillbemy
brothersIwillnotpermitconsiderationsofreligion,nationality,race,partypoliticsorsocialstandingto
intervenebetweenmydutyandmypatientIwillmaintaintheutmostrespectforhumanlife,fromthetimeof
conceptionevenunderthreat,IwillnotusemymedicalknowledgecontrarytothelawsofhumanityImake
thesepromisessolemnly,freelyanduponmyhonour.

Central / State medical Acts

TheIndianMedicalDegreesAct1916

ThisCentralActwasenactedtoregulatethegrantoftitlesimplyingqualificationinWesternMedicalScience
andtheassumptionandusebyunqualifiedpersonsofsuchtitles.TheaboveActwassubsequentlyamended
bytheTHeIndianMedicalDegrees(MAdrasAmendment)Act1940(MadrasActNo.XXof1940)inits
applicationtotheprovinceofMAdrasforcertainpurpose.

TheIndianMedicalCouncilAct1956

TheIndianMedicalCouncilAct1933extendstothewholeofIndia.ThisCentralActwaslaterrepealedbythe
IndianMedicalCouncilAct1956astoprovideforthereconstitutionofMedicalCouncilofIndia,the
maintenanceoftheIndianMedicalRegisterandformattersconnectedtherewith.TheaboveActwas
subsequentlyamendedin1958,1993and2001.

TheDrugsandCosmeticsAct1940

TheaimoftheActistoregulatetheimport,manufacture,distributionandsaleofdrugsandcosmetics.The
aboveCentralActwhichpartlyrelatestowomen'sHealthhadbeenamendedoneightoccasionsinkeeping
withthechangingcircumstances.Drugs:TheworldHealthOrganizationScientificGrouphasdefinedadrug

as"anysubstanceorproductthatisusedorintendedtobeusedtomodifyorexplorephysiologicalsystemsor
pathologicalsystemsorpathologicalstatesforthebenefitoftherecipient".Cosmetic:meansanyarticle
intendedtoberubbed,poured,sprinkledorsprayedon,orintroducedinto,orotherwiseappliedto,thehuman
bodyoranypartthereofforcleansing,beautifying,promotingattractiveness,oralteringtheappearance,and
includesanyarticlesintendedforuseasacomponentofcosmetic.

TheDrugsandMagicRemedies(Objectionable)AdvertisementAct,1954.
(DMRACT)

TheActprovidesforpreventionofadvertisementwhichmaybeexploitedbyunscrupulousandcommercially
orientedpersonnelforinducingpeopleforselfmedicationorfraudulentorexploitativeordangerousand
harmfulnature.Theundesirableaspectsofadvertisementsincludeattemptsatanyofthefollowing:
Procurementofmiscarriageinwomenorpreventionofconceptioninwomen.Correctionofmenstrualdisorder
inwomenMaintenanceorimprovementofthecapacityofhumanbeingsforsexualpleasure.Diagnosis,cure,
mitigation,treatmentorpreventionofanydisease,disorderorconditionspecifiedintheScheduleoftheDMR
Act.

The Schedule
PenalProvisionsagainstquacks

ThequackspracticingAllopathicmedicineareliabletobepunishedundertheprovisionsoftheIndianPenal
Code1860(IPC)andotherCentral/StateAct.I.P.C.Sections:419&420,(forcheatingthepatients).I.P.C.
Sections:338(InjectionsoflethalmedicineintoHumanBody)I.P.C.Sections:471(Possessingbogus(fake)
degrees).TheIndianMEdicalDegreesAct1956,(Sections15.2(b)and15(3).)TheIndianMedicalDegrees
Act,1916asamendedbytheIndianMedicalDegrees(MadrasAmendment)Act1940.(Section6A)The
DrugsandCosmeticsAct,1940[Section18(b)]TheDrugsandMagicRemedies(Objectionable)
AdvertisementAct.1954.

SupremeCourtJudgementonPracticeofotherSystemsofMedicine:
AnMBBSMedicalPractitionerregisteredwithTamilNaduMedicalCouncilisentitledtopracticeModern
AllopathicMedicineonlyieinthesysteminwhichhehasqualified,himselfaspertheApexCourtscaseLaw.
Dt.10thMay1996.SimilarlyaphysicianwhohasobtainedarecognizedqualificationinanyotherIndigenous
SystemofMedicineincludingHomeopathyisnotallowedtopracticeModernMedicineinanyform.

WhenaMedicalPractitioneriscalledtoappearasanexpertwitness:
AdoctormaybecalledtotestifyAsanordinarywitnesswhosawsomethinghappen.Asamedicalpractitioner
whotreatedthepatient&Asanexperttogivehisopiniononmatterofscience.Inthefirst2conditionsitishis
dutyandobligationtotestify.Inthelastconditionhemayrefusetherequest,ifhefeelsthatheisnot
sufficientlyqualifiedtotestify,withanyconvictioninthatparticularcaseorifhefeelsthathecannotsparetime
toprepareproperlyortotakelongappearanceinCourt.Amedicalwitnessshouldstrivetoachieverespect,
understandingandcredibilityinCourt.Hemustgivetheappearanceofbeinganindependentnonpartisan
scientist.Thedoctorshouldnotbecomepartisan.BrouardeltheFrenchmedicolegalauthoritywrote,"ifthe
lawhasmadeyou(thephysician)witness,remainamanofscienceyouhavenovictimtoavenge,noguilty
persontoconvictandnoinnocentpersontosave,youmustbeartestimonywithinthelimitsofscience.The
attitudeofascientificwitnessshouldbethesamewhetherheiscalledbytheprosecutionorbythedefence.
Thedoctorreallytestifiesneitherfor,noragainsttheprosecutionorbythedefence.Thedoctor'sexpertiseisin

theapplicationofsciencetoalegalcontroversyandtheproperinterpretationofscientificfindings.Hissole
obligationistopresentthetruthasheseesit,addingnothing,withholdingnothinganddistortingnothing.He
shouldnotconcernhimselfwiththepreviouscharacteroftheaccusedorwithotherevidenceinthecase.He
shouldnotbeinfluencedinanywaybyemotionalconsideration,suchassympathyorantipathy.Thedoctor
mustbehonest,forconfidenceisinspiredbyhonestyandsuccessdependsuponconfidence.

An important Supreme Court judgement

Nolegalimpedimentforamedicalprofessionaltoattendtoaninjured
personneedinghismedicalassistanceimmediatelysays:SupremeCourt
ofIndia:
Hon'bleSupremeCourtJudgesJusticeRanganathanMisraandJusticeG.L.Ozahavemadethefollowing
observationsintheirjudgementRef:AIR1989SC2039,inresponsetoaPILfiled.(TheSecretary,Ministry
ofHealthF&F.W.oftheUnionofIndia,theIMC,theIndianMedicalAssociationwereimpleadedas
respondents).
Thereisalsonodoubtthattheefforttosavethepersonshouldbethetopprioritynotonlyforthemedical
professionalbutevenofthepoliceoranyothercitizenwhohappenstobeconnectedwiththematterorwhat
happenstonoticesuchanincidentorasituation.

Butonbehalfofthemedicalprofessionthereisonemoreapprehensionwhichsometimespreventsamedical
professionalinspiteofhisdesiretohelptheperson,asheapprehendsthathewillbeawitnessandmayhave
tofacethepoliceinterrogationwhichsometimesmayneedgoingtothepolicestationrepeatedlyandwaiting
andalsotobeawitnessinacourtoflawwherealsoheapprehendsthathemayhavetogoonnumberof
daysandmayhavetowaitforalongtimeandmayhavetofacesometimeslongunnecessary
crossexaminationwhichsometimesmayevenbehumiliatingforamaninthemedicalprofessionandinour
opinionitisthisapprehensionwhichpreventsamedicalprofessionalwhoisnotentrustedwiththedutyof
handlingmedicolegalcasestodotheneedful,healwaystriestoavoidandevenifapproacheddirectsthe
personconcernedtogotoaStatehospitalandparticularlytothepersonwhoisinchargeofthemedicolegal
cases.

Wethereforehavenohesitationinassuringthepersonsinthemedicalprofessionthattheseapprehensions,
eveniftheyhavesomefoundation,shouldnotpreventthemfromdischargingtheirdutyasamedical
professionaltosaveahumanlifeandtodoallthatisnecessarybutatthesametimewehopeandtrustthat
withthisexpectationfromthemembersofthemedicalprofession,thepolice,themembersofthelegal
profession,ourlawcourtsandeveryoneconcernedwillalsokeepinmindthatamaninthemedicalprofession
shouldnotbeunnecessarilyharassedforpurposesofinterrogationorforanyotherformalitiesandshouldnot
bedraggedduringinvestigationsatthepolicestationanditshouldbeavoidedasfaraspossible.

Wealsohopeandtrustthatourlawcourtswillnotsummonamedicalprofessionaltogiveevidenceunlessthe
evidenceisnecessaryandevenifheissummoned,attemptshouldbemadetoseethatthemeninthis
professionarenotmadetowaitandwastetimeunnecessarilyanditisknownthatourlawcourtsalwayshave
respectforthemeninthemedicalprofessionandtheyarecalledtogiveevidencewhennecessaryand
attemptsaremadesothattheymayhavetowaitforlong.

Wehavenohesitationinsayingthatitisexpectedofthemembersofthelegalprofessionwhichistheother
honorableprofessiontohonourthepersonsinthemedicalprofessionandseethattheyarenotcalledtogive
evidencesolongasitisnotnecessary.


Itisalsoexpectedthatwherethefactsaresoclearitisexpectedthatunnecessaryharassmentofthe
membersofthemedicalprofessioneitherbywayofrequestforadjournmentsorbycrossexaminationshould
beavoidedsothattheapprehensionthatthemeninthemedicalprofessionhavewhichpreventsthemfrom
dischargingtheirdutytoasufferingpersonwhoneedstheirassistanceutmost,isremovedandacitizen
needingtheassistanceofamaninthemedicalprofessionreceivesit.wewouldalsoliketomentionthat
wheneveronsuchoccasionsamanofthemedicalprofessionisapproachedandifhefindsthatwhenever
assistancehecouldgiveisnotsufficientreallytosavethelifeofthepersonbutsomebetterassistanceis
necessaryitisalsothedutyofthemaninthemedicalprofessionsoapproachedtorenderallthehelpwhich
hecouldandalsoseethatthepersonreachestheproperexpertasearlyaspossible

History of allopathic medicine in india

Forthepast10centuriesIndiaearliertoIndependencewastheplaygroundofculturalandreligiousconflicts.
Theagelongpoliticalstrifeshadtheirsocioeconomicandculturalrepercussionswiththeresultthatthethen
knowledgeofindigenousmedicinegraduallydwindled,decayedandbecamepollutedbyselfseeking
unculturedquacks.Thewesternallopathicmedicinethencameandcapturedtheunprejudicedmindofthe
educatedpeopleforitsscientificoutlook.ThehistoryofIndianMedicinesuchasthoseofAyurvedhaand
Siddhawhichwerethendeveloping,isnowahistoryofthepastandwemustreconciletothisfact.Duringthe
Britishperiod,atthebeginningofthesecondquarterofthe19thcenturyLordBentincktriedtoorganise
medicaleducationonascientificbasisandsoonCalcuttaandMadrasMedicalCollegeswereestablished.
ThiswasfollowedbyestablishmentofmedicalschoolsinotherleadingcitiesofIndia.Medicaleducationof
womenbeganatthelastpartofthe19thcentury.Facilitiesforpostgraduateeducationwerefewinthoseearly
daysandtheteachingwasmoreorlessrigid.

State medical councils & their powers

"StateMedicalCouncil"meansaMedicalCouncilConstitutiveunderanylawforthetimebeinginforceinany
Stateregulatingtheregistrationofpractitionersofmedicine."StateMedicalCouncilsarefunctioningina
mannersimilartothatofIndianMedicalCouncil.TheStateMedicalcouncilarealsoresponsibleforexercising
diciplinarycontrolovertheMedicalpractitionersregisteredinthestate.Theyarealsorequiredtoinformthe
IndianMedicalcouncilaboutanychangesmadeintheStateRegister.TheStateMedicalCouncilhasthe
Powertowarn,refusetoregister/removefromregisterthenameofadoctorwhohasbeensentencedbyany
courtforanynonbailableoffenceorfoundtobeguiltilyofinfamousconductinanyprofessionalrespect.The
StateMedicalCouncilhasalsothepowertoreenterthenameofthedoctorintheregister.