Medical service in Tripura holds a place of great trust and responsibility. The Tripura State Medical Council (TSMC) plays an essential role in regulating this profession. To ensure high ethical standards and protect patients’ welfare, TSMC enforces a Code of Conduct for all registered medical practitioners. This code defines the professional behavior, obligations, and disciplinary actions that govern the practice of medicine in the state.
Table of Contents
Duties and Responsibilities of Medical Practitioners
Doctors in Tripura must follow specific rules and standards laid down by TSMC to provide ethical, safe, and professional care.
- Patient First Approach: Patient’s welfare should always come before personal or financial interests.
- Competent Care: Medical knowledge and skills must be updated regularly to ensure accurate diagnosis and treatment.
- Respect for Human Dignity: Every patient must be treated with kindness, confidentiality, and respect regardless of gender, caste, religion, or financial status.
- Clear Communication: Patients must receive clear explanations about their condition, treatment options, risks, and outcomes.
- Informed Consent: Doctors must obtain written consent before performing any surgery or invasive procedure.
- Confidentiality: Patient information must be kept private and only shared with legal or medical authorities if required.
Prohibited Conduct under TSMC
Certain actions are strictly banned under the Code of Conduct and are viewed as serious ethical violations.
| Prohibited Action | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Fee Splitting | Sharing fees with another person in return for referrals is strictly prohibited. |
| Advertisement and Self-Promotion | Doctors cannot advertise their skills or make false claims about cures. |
| Use of Unregistered Titles | Only registered titles like MBBS, MD, etc. may be used; fake degrees are banned. |
| Neglect of Emergency Cases | Refusing treatment in emergencies without a valid reason violates professional duty. |
| Sexual Misconduct | Any sexual behavior or comments towards patients are a serious offense. |
| Issuing False Certificates | Providing fake medical certificates is punishable. |
| Conflict of Interest | Financial ties with pharmaceutical companies must not affect clinical decisions. |
Maintenance of Medical Records
Maintaining patient records is a vital responsibility under the code. It ensures transparency, future reference, and legal compliance.
- Record Duration: All indoor patient records must be preserved for at least three years.
- Prescription Details: Each prescription must mention the doctor’s name, registration number, date, and dosage instructions.
- Digital Format Encouraged: TSMC promotes the use of electronic medical records for easier storage and retrieval.
- Disclosure on Request: Patients or legal authorities have the right to request their medical records, and doctors must provide them within 72 hours.
Guidelines for the Doctor-Patient Relationship
Ethical behavior forms the backbone of a successful doctor-patient relationship.
| Aspect | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Trust Building | Mutual trust and respect must be developed through honesty and care. |
| Non-Discrimination | Medical care should be free from any bias based on background or personal beliefs. |
| Transparency in Fees | The Fee structure must be communicated before starting treatment. |
| Refusal to Treat | Treatment can only be refused for valid reasons and must be referred appropriately. |
| Avoiding Exploitation | Doctors must never use their position to gain personal favors or benefits. |
Continuing Medical Education (CME)
Continuous learning is necessary to remain competent in the medical field.
- Mandatory Participation: Doctors must attend recognized CME programs and workshops regularly.
- Minimum Hours: TSMC recommends at least 30 hours of CME every five years.
- Updated Knowledge: Knowledge of the latest techniques, technologies, and protocols is essential for quality care.
- Ethical Learning Sources: Courses or sessions sponsored by pharma companies must be reviewed for ethical compliance.
Professional Misconduct and Penalties
Violation of the TSMC Code invites disciplinary actions ranging from warnings to suspension or cancellation of medical registration.
| Type of Misconduct | Possible Penalty |
|---|---|
| Gross negligence | Temporary suspension or fine, depending on the damage caused. |
| Repeat offenses | Permanent cancellation of registration after multiple proven violations. |
| Ethical violation | Written warning, apology requirement, and temporary practice restrictions. |
| Fake certificates | Legal action, including imprisonment and cancellation of the license. |
Medical Ethics Committee Role
The Ethics Committee of TSMC oversees the behavior of practitioners and handles complaints.
- Complaint Review: Every written complaint is reviewed and investigated thoroughly.
- Fair Hearing: Accused doctors get a chance to present their side during the inquiry.
- Action Recommendation: After the inquiry, the committee suggests actions to the TSMC Board.
- Appeal Process: Doctors can appeal to higher medical councils or courts if they disagree with the decision.
Duties Towards Colleagues and Society
Medical practitioners also have responsibilities toward peers and society at large.
- Professional Respect: Doctors must treat their colleagues with respect and avoid defamation.
- Collaboration: In case of referral, doctors must cooperate for the best patient outcome.
- Public Education: Doctors should engage in community health awareness without self-promotion.
- Disaster Response: Medical services must be provided during natural disasters and epidemics without hesitation.
Important Contact and Registration Details
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| TSMC Office Address | Old Secretariat Building, Agartala, Tripura – 799001 |
| Official Website | www.tsmc.tripura.gov.in |
| Email for Complaints | [email protected] |
| Doctor Registration Link | Available under ‘Services’ on the TSMC official website |
| Helpline Number | 0381-241-5555 (Monday to Friday, 10 am to 5 pm) |
In Summary
Tripura TSMC’s Code of Conduct sets a strong foundation for ethical, responsible, and people-centered medical practice. By maintaining high standards, respecting human dignity, and ensuring transparency, doctors not only protect patients but also enhance the honor of the medical profession. Continuous compliance with the code ensures a healthier, more trustworthy healthcare system in the state.
