Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The Nepal Medical Council (NMC has directed individuals to remove the word “Doctor”, often abbreviated as “Dr”, before their names if it is being used illegally.
Acting Registrar Dr Dipendra Pandey said the NMC has found that health workers and individuals from various fields have been using the title “Doctor” in violation of the existing regulations. He urged them to remove the title within 15 days.
He clarified that, except for physicians registered with the council or those who have legally obtained the title of medical doctor under their respective professional council laws, no other health worker or individual—whether registered with any council or not—is allowed to use the title “Dr” before their names.
“Under the Nepal Medical Council Act, 1964, only doctors registered with the NMC have the legal authority to treat patients, provide consultations, and use the title “Doctor/Physician” in Nepal’s modern medical system. We, therefore, instruct all to remove the title “Dr” from all official documents, prescription pads, clinic signboards, visiting cards, and social media platforms if they are not allowed to use it lawfully,” the NMC said
The NMC also warned that if any person—registered in other councils or not—uses the “Dr” title in a way that creates confusion about practicing modern medicine or is found prescribing modern medicines, they may face a jail term of up to three years or a fine of Rs 3,000 as per the Act.
It also clarified that obtaining an academic degree from universities in Nepal or abroad that includes the word “Doctor” does not automatically grant the right to practice medicine independently.
