Nepal Medical Council Bans Doctors from Prescribing Medication via Social Media

Kathmandu. The Nepal Medical Council has directed physicians not to prescribe medication through social media platforms without conducting a proper examination. Registrar Dr. Satish Kumar Deo has ordered an immediate halt to the practice of recommending drugs via platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook without clinical assessment. 

The Council has urged doctors to refrain from broadcasting health-related audiovisual content under the guise of 'online consultation.' Registrar Dr. Deo has requested that physicians avoid sharing patient-related audiovisual material, suggesting treatments, or prescribing medication through social media channels. 

The Council has warned that irresponsible and unscientific advice from doctors on social media can mislead the public and poses a high risk of serious health complications due to the misuse of medication.

Registrar Dr. Deo emphasized that healthcare is a highly sensitive sector, noting that suggesting medication without proper examination, diagnostic tests, and direct clinical evaluation can lead to severe health risks, unnecessary complications, and long-term harm. 

The Council has advised patients not to use medication based on unverified advice found on social media and to seek treatment only after consulting with qualified, registered medical professionals. Furthermore, the Council has instructed doctors not to publish patient-related audiovisual content, or if necessary, to ensure that the patient's face and identity remain concealed.