New Delhi
The National Medical Commission (NMC), the country’s largest Medical Authority, has taken a big decision regarding live surgery. Now a hospital or doctor will not be allowed to show the operation live with choice. In a petition filed in the Supreme Court, the issue was raised that many private hospitals are using patients as models, so that product promotion and branding of their own can be done through conference. After this, NMC released strict guidelines on 26 July 2025.
What happened in the Supreme Court?
In the PIL, it was alleged that many private hospitals are including patients in live surgery without giving adequate information. Petitioner Rahil Chaudhary said in the Supreme Court that many private hospitals are commercially exploiting patients through live surgery. Companies promote their products, surgeons demonstrate their expertise and the hospitals exaggerate their facilities. During this time, the safety and privacy of the patients is kept at stance. NMC formed a committee in response to this petition, based on the recommendations, these strict guidelines have been prepared.
What will change now? Read special things of new guidelines
First approval for live surgery is required
Now before broadcasting any live surgery, permission will have to be obtained from the State Medical Council or the head of the institution.
The doctor from abroad will have to get the permission of NMC and approval of the specialist panel before performing surgery.
Now the patient will have to understand by understanding not just by reading
It will be necessary to tell the patient that their surgery will be broadcast live.
He can withdraw his consent at any time.
His identity will be kept completely confidential.
No promotion, no branding
Live surgery will not be used for branding or promotion of doctors, hospitals or any medical products.
If a doctor or a hospital has financial interest in a equipment, then he cannot use it.
Camera during surgery, but no communication
While performing the operation, the surgeon will not be allowed to talk to the audience so that his focus is on the patient.
In the special case, a commentator can guide from the side.
Money will not be lured
The patient will not be given any greed or benefit of any money. Yes, he can be given an insurance cover so that the burden of spending does not fall on him in case of any disturbance.
If there is any disturbance in the surgery, then it will be treated for hospital for free.
Every kind of preparation is necessary
All necessary equipment and experts should be present in OT.
The entire plan should be prepared in advance to deal with any emergency during live surgery.
If the setup is not found right then the surgery recording will be shown, not live.
What do doctors say?
By the way, there is also an idea in the medical field that live surgery helps students understand technology. But NMC says that recorded videos, cadveric training and simulation lab are more secure and effective options for this.
