The Nagaland Medical Council (NMC) has called upon its members practicing both in private and government service, to continue maintain the highest level of ethical practice.
“The principal objective of the medical profession is to render service to humanity with full respect for the dignity of profession and man. The honored ideals of the medical profession imply that the responsibility of the physician extend not only to individuals but also to society (MCI-Code of Medical Ethics),” NMC stated in an update.
The council also lauded the Government of Nagaland for clearly defining 'private practice' and for offering in-service doctors a onetime option to opt for NPA (Non Practicing Allowance) in earlier in 2011.
“Therefore, for in-service doctors, availing NPA and indulging in private practice, is unethical, as it violates Government rules,” NMC stated.
NMC also reminded the private hospitals that, under the 'Health Establishment Act 1997,' they cannot employ in-service doctors in private hospitals.
“However, noncompliance of these rules should not be construed as criminal act but to be seen as violation of Government rules. Therefore, to avoid attracting punitive action from the Government, and to uphold ethical practice, it is the responsibility of each individual,” it stated.
NMC further stated that to in order to honour the ideals of the medical profession and to gain confidence of the society, it is the bounden duty of every doctor to uphold the highest ethical practice in their profession.