State Medical Council Penalises Doctor for Misleading Qualification Claim

Quick Summary

• The Kerala State Medical council (KSMC) has penalized Dr. Arjun J. Nayanar, a Kannur-based doctor, with ₹10,000 for advertising unrecognised medical qualifications on his billboard and clinic display.
• Complaint was filed by the Payyannur branch of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), citing ethics violations under provisions 1.4.2 and 7.13 of the Ethics Regulations 2002.
• The advertised qualifications included “PG Diploma in Cardiology (Non-invasive)” and “CCCDS (Certificate Course in Cardiovascular Disease and Stroke),” neither recognized as valid degrees under the Indian Medical Council Act,1956.
• Photographic evidence showcased these claims on an unusually large billboard outside his practice.
• Additional ethical concerns were raised regarding another display board advertising a dental doctor’s qualification (“BDS”) coupled with “Cosmetologist” title-also deemed illegal under Ethics regulation 1.9.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The KSMC’s decision to impose a monetary penalty marks an vital precedent in strengthening enforcement of ethical regulations governing medical practice in India. by holding doctors accountable for misleading advertisements involving unrecognised credentials, this move underscores the importance of transparency and adherence to legally approved qualifications within healthcare-a sector deeply tied to public trust.

Furthermore,such enforcement could reduce malpractice risks associated with improperly trained professionals overextending their expertise into areas requiring formal accreditation.This may also pave the way for stricter scrutiny across other states where similar ethical breaches remain unchecked.

However, it is necessary that regulatory bodies like KSMC maintain fairness by broadening awareness campaigns among healthcare practitioners about permissible advertising practices-avoiding punitive measures unless violations are purposeful or egregious.

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