KATHMANDU: Despite clear legal prohibitions, many doctors and private clinics across Nepal are openly advertising their medical services and pricing, particularly on social media, sparking concern among health authorities and raising questions about ethical conduct in the medical field.
Government and private-sector physicians in Nepal are not allowed to advertise their services or fees, according to the Public Health Service Act 2018 and Nepal Medical Council (NMC) regulations. Yet, the trend of promotional content by medical professionals continues to grow, often in violation of these laws.
A prominent example is the Kathmandu Clinic of Cosmetic Surgery, based in Anamnagar and operated by Dr. Suyog Mainali. The clinic openly promotes its services and fees online, despite the law clearly barring such practices. This clinic is just one among many flouting the rules.
In Durbarmarg, Aawaran Skin and Hair Clinic, founded by Dr. Rupak Ghimire, who also specializes in hair transplants, actively advertises its services. Similarly, China Greatwall Hospital in Chucchepati, Cosmed Plastic Surgery Center in Kalimati’s Chandi Complex, KCCS Boudha, Siddhi Polyclinic, and Kara Skin and Hair Center are all reported to be operating outside the legal boundaries of advertisement regulation.
These clinics often promote procedures such as wrinkle removal, skin pigmentation treatment, fat reduction, permanent hair removal, eyelid surgery, nose reshaping, and even treatments for sexual dysfunction.
Such advertising not only violates medical ethics but is also punishable under existing laws.
According to Chapter 3, Clause 21 of the Public Health Service Act 2018, healthcare institutions must operate within the standards set by the Ministry of Health and Population. The act specifies that services and standards provided by healthcare facilities must conform to ministry-issued guidelines.
Furthermore, Clause 22 of the Nepal Medical Council Regulations (Amended 2018) strictly outlines the code of conduct for doctors. Subsection 2(b) prohibits doctors from using any promotional materials that go beyond listing their name, degrees, or professional titles. Any breach of this can result in removal from the medical registry as per Clause 23.
Despite this, medical professionals are frequently seen violating these codes, often justifying their actions as mere “information dissemination.” However, the Ministry of Health took official notice of the situation earlier this year, issuing a public directive on April 25, warning medical professionals against such practices.
The statement cited growing complaints that doctors and health workers, during official hours, are found treating patients in private clinics and hospitals while also advertising these services through media outlets.
The Ministry reminded all healthcare personnel to uphold professional ethics and legal obligations, warning that advertisements by or for private institutions breach existing norms.
Dr. Kalusingh Khatri, head of the Nepal Medical Council’s Ethics Committee, explained the distinction between sharing information and advertising.
Speaking to Khabarhub, he said, “There’s a big difference between providing information and advertising. Lack of awareness often leads to unintentional violations, but we continue to urge doctors to refrain from such activities.”
He elaborated, “Information is about delivering facts and knowledge to raise awareness or clarify a subject. Advertising, however, is aimed at convincing consumers to buy a service or product, often using exaggeration or bias.”
Khatri said medical services should not be treated like commercial goods. “Healthcare is not a business, and medical professionals must understand this fundamental truth,” he said.
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