(October 2025)
Date: October 14, 2025
Issued by: Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
Category: Professional Ethics & Digital Conduct
Read Also; Housemanship Center Rules 2025
Overview
The new guideline aims to:
Protect patients, practitioners, and the integrity of the medical profession,
Encourage open, respectful, and evidence-based communication,
Reinforce compliance with the Code of Medical Ethics (2008) and the Nigerian Data Protection Act (2023).
🔑 Core Principles for Medical Professionals Online
1. Professionalism — Online and Offline
Your online behaviour reflects your medical professionalism. Maintain the same ethical standards you would in clinical or public practice.
2. Honesty, Integrity, and Trust
Be truthful, transparent, and accurate. Never misrepresent your qualifications or affiliations. Only licensed practitioners should share medical education content.
3. Patient Confidentiality and Privacy
Do not share identifiable patient information (images, audio, or details) without written consent and a clear educational purpose.
Even anonymized data can sometimes be re-identified—err on the side of caution.
4. Maintaining Professional Boundaries
Avoid using personal accounts to interact with patients or offer treatment advice online.
5. Respect and Non-Discrimination
Uphold civility—avoid abusive, harassing, or defamatory posts toward patients, colleagues, or institutions.
6. Accuracy and Evidence-Based Communication
Share only verified, science-backed information. Avoid spreading unverified claims or sensational health news.
7. Compliance with Law and Council Standards
All online activity must comply with Nigerian laws, MDCN standards, and data protection regulations.
8. Accountability
Practitioners are accountable for all online content—even deleted or private posts may become public.
🧭 Practical Guidance for Practitioners
| Category | Recommended Practice |
|---|---|
| Professional Identification | Use your real name and professional title (e.g. Dr, Dentist) when discussing medical issues. |
| Posting Clinical Content | Share clinical material only in professional or academic forums, with documented patient consent. |
| Engaging the Public | Provide general health education — not specific diagnoses or treatment plans. |
| Advertising & Promotion | Follow all advertising laws. Avoid misleading claims, and disclose sponsorships or affiliations. |
| Collegial Interaction | Keep debates factual, respectful, and professional, even when disagreeing. |
💬 Responsible Advocacy and Online Communication
MDCN welcomes constructive criticism and professional advocacy, but warns that false or defamatory statements about the Council or its officers will not be tolerated.
Why It Matters
False information erodes public trust in the medical profession.
It can mislead the public and spread misinformation.
It may expose the author to legal and disciplinary actions.
Principles for Responsible Online Advocacy
Verify information from official MDCN sources.
Clearly separate personal opinion from fact.
Use respectful language when critiquing policy.
Focus on system improvement, not personal attacks.
Use official channels for formal complaints.
📞 Official MDCN Channels
🌐 Website: https://www.mdcn.gov.ng
🐦 X (Twitter): @MDCNOfficial
📘 Facebook: Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria
📸 Instagram: @officialmdcn
📧 Emails:
General Enquiries – info@mdcn.gov.ng
Complaints – registrar@mdcn.gov.ng
📍 Physical Address:
Plot 1102, Cadastral Zone B11, Off Oladipo Diya Road, Gudu District, Abuja.🧾 Report a Practitioner: https://www.portal.mdcn.gov.ng/doctor-complaint
⚖️ Enforcement and Oversight
MDCN may monitor public content to identify serious professional breaches. Confirmed cases will follow due process through the Medical and Dental Practitioners Investigative Panel (MDPIP).
Possible sanctions include:
Warning or suspension,
Referral to the Disciplinary Tribunal (MDPDT).
Supporting References
Medical and Dental Practitioners Act (LFN Cap M8 2004)
Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria (2008)
Nigerian Data Protection Act (2023)
MDCN Policy Circulars on Professional Conduct & Communications
MDCN’s Final Position
“Defamation is not advocacy.” — MDCN
The Council encourages constructive engagement and professional advocacy through verified channels. Defamatory or misleading social media posts undermine the medical profession and will attract appropriate disciplinary action.