NMC bars use of live surgery broadcasts for promotional gain

NMC bars use of live surgery broadcasts for promotional gain

The guidelines say patientswith high-risk procedures should not be included in live broadcasts.

THE HINDU BUREAU 28.07.2025

NEW DELHI Live broadcasts should not be used for promoting the operating surgeon, hospital, or product brand, and surgeons should not have a financial or commercial interest in the equipment or devices used during surgery or procedures, the National Medical Commission (NMC) has said in detailed guidelines issued this week to regulate the conduct and broadcast of live surgeries.

Issuing specific instructions for patient selection, the commission said that patientswith high-risk procedures, incomplete investigations, or unusual anatomy should not be included in live broadcasts. Also, financial incentives for participation should not be permitted. The process of informed consent should be conducted by the operating surgeon or team and the patient has the right to withdraw consent at any time.

It added that live broadcasts can be provided for new procedures, while recordings should be preferred for established procedures or high-risk cases.

“Patients can be enrolled in insurance coverage to safeguard against any unforeseen incidents. However, patients should be informed about the availability and limitations of this insurance. Any surgery/procedure-related complications should be managed free of cost,’’ it said. It added that during surgery or procedures, the operating doctor can broadcast but should not interact with the audience to maintain focus on the patient’s safety. “Relevant step-wise live commentary by an operating surgeon can be permitted without any two-way communication with the audience in special situations,’’ the directive stated.