The Medical Council has always stipulated that doctors are not allowed to promote themselves. But this “Code of Professional Conduct “, which prohibits doctors from advertising in print media, was ruled by the High Court on January 24, 2008. It violated the human rights of freedom of speech granted by the Basic Law.
Three judges of the Court of Appeal held that restricting doctors from advertising is like “crushing nuts with a mallet.” Relaxing the restrictions will allow the public to obtain more information about doctors. The three judges reiterated that the Medical Council’s code violates the Basic Law and Human Rights, therefore dismissing the appeal, and the Medical Council had to pay court fees.
The lawsuit originated from an advertisement published by the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital （HKSH） in a magazine for its oncology centre. The Department of Health issued a letter of warning to HKSH. In October 2006, 78 doctors of the Sanatorium and Hospital jointly signed a letter to the Medical Council to request a review of the “Code of Professional Conduct “but was rejected in writing by the Council.
Three judges of the Court of Appeal held that restricting doctors from advertising is like “crushing nuts with a mallet.” Relaxing the restrictions will allow the public to obtain more information about doctors. The three judges reiterated that the Medical Council’s code violates the Basic Law and Human Rights, therefore dismissing the appeal, and the Medical Council had to pay court fees.
The lawsuit originated from an advertisement published by the Hong Kong Sanatorium and Hospital （HKSH） in a magazine for its oncology centre. The Department of Health issued a letter of warning to HKSH. In October 2006, 78 doctors of the Sanatorium and Hospital jointly signed a letter to the Medical Council to request a review of the “Code of Professional Conduct “but was rejected in writing by the Council.
Source: hkheadline.com
According to the “Code of Professional Conduct “, “role in educating the public but should use due caution in divulging discoveries or new techniques or treatment through non-professional channels”. Therefore, doctors have the noble task of educating the public about correct health knowledge and should not promote themselves.
As one of the few companies in the market that focuses on medical marketing, Reform Medical Marketing fully respects and admires the lofty philosophy of the Medical Council. On the other hand, we also hope that netizens can quickly obtain valuable medical information through our accurate and high-quality medical and health content. We will not use hearsay to get inaccurate information and suffer financial and health losses.
We are willing to assist clinics and medical institutions in publishing accurate and valuable medical and health information through the Internet without promoting doctors themselves and for the primary purpose of education, to benefit the public. At the same time, the public can choose the right clinic and medical institutions that offer treatment.
