New Delhi: The Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has recently issued detailed guidelines to govern the conduct and live broadcasting of surgical procedures. This move follows a petition submitted to the Supreme Court, raising serious concerns about the potential exploitation of patients by private hospitals using live surgeries for commercial and promotional purposes during medical conferences.
The newly issued guidelines address key aspects such as:
- Who can organize and perform live surgeries
- Approved locations and methods for conducting such procedures
- Responsibilities of organizers
- The requirement of prior approval from regulatory authorities
Background
The debate around live surgery broadcasts intensified after a petition was filed in 2023 by a Delhi-based ophthalmologist. The petition highlighted both ethical and legal concerns associated with showcasing real-time surgical procedures to large audiences—often comprising hundreds of participants who interact with the surgeon during the operation.
A Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice D. Y. Chandrachud, along with Justices J. B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, took cognizance of the matter and issued notices to the Centre, NMC, and other stakeholders. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing the petitioners, emphasized the commercialization and potential risk to patient safety involved in such demonstrations.
In response, the NMC opened a public consultation, inviting feedback from healthcare professionals and the general public regarding the broadcasting of live surgeries by private institutions.
Committee Recommendations and NMC Response
In its notification dated 26.07.2025, the NMC referred to Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1141/2023—Rahil Chaudhary & Others vs. Union of India & Others. The petition alleged that some private hospitals exploit patients, using them as “models” to display surgical expertise, promote corporate sponsors, and market medical technologies—all under the guise of medical education.
Acknowledging these concerns, the NMC formed a committee to draft a regulatory framework. Based on the committee's findings, the Commission has now issued a formal set of guidelines.
Key Concerns Highlighted by the NMC
- Limited Educational Value: While live surgeries are intended to be educational, they often fall short in offering detailed understanding compared to structured, hands-on training or well-annotated recorded videos.
- Effectiveness Questioned: There is insufficient evidence proving that live surgery broadcasts are more beneficial than pre-recorded educational materials, which allow better analysis and clarity.
- Ethical Dilemmas: Broadcasting live surgeries raises ethical questions about patient consent and autonomy, especially when the procedures are used for promotional purposes.
- Patient Risk: Patients might not be fully informed about the potential distractions for the surgeon during a live broadcast, which could impact their safety.
- Psychological Impact: The presence of recording equipment and a viewing audience can increase patient anxiety and discomfort.
- Commercial Exploitation: Some institutions use live surgeries as marketing tools, placing commercial gain over patient welfare.
- Legal and Reputational Exposure: Any complications during a broadcasted surgery may lead to public scrutiny, legal action, and damage to institutional reputation.
- Need for Oversight: The absence of standardized protocols raises the need for strict regulatory mechanisms and prior approval from competent authorities.
