That Post Could Get You Suspended — MDCN Releases New Social Media Rules for Doctors and Dentists

Posted on: Wed 15-10-2025

That Post Could Get You Suspended — MDCN Releases New Social Media Rules for Doctors and Dentists

Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
Guidance on Social Media and Responsible Online Conduct
Date: 14th October, 2025

Purpose

This guidance sets out the standards expected of all medical and dental practitioners registered with the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) in their use of social media and digital communication platforms.

It aims to protect patients, practitioners, and the integrity of the profession, while promoting open, respectful, and evidence-based communication in the digital space.

This document complements the Code of Medical Ethics in Nigeria (2008), the Nigerian Data Protection Act (2023), and other applicable laws and institutional policies.

1. Core Principles

Professionalism online and offline
The same standards of professional conduct that apply in clinical and public life also apply on social media. What you post or endorse online can reflect on the profession as a whole.

Honesty, integrity, and trust
Be truthful, accurate, and transparent in your communications. Do not misrepresent your qualifications, affiliations, or competence. Disclose conflicts of interest where applicable. Practitioners, no matter your platform of practice including but not limited to transmitting public health education and awareness content must be up-to-date with their annual practising licensing.

Patient confidentiality and privacy

• Never share identifiable patient information (including clinical images, voice notes, or unique case details) without explicit written consent and a clearly defined educational or research purpose.
• Remember that even “anonymised” posts may be re-identified; always err on the side of caution.
• Avoid discussing specific patient cases on public platforms.

Maintaining professional boundaries

• Refrain from using personal social media accounts to interact with patients about their care.
• Direct patients who seek medical advice online to appropriate clinical settings.

Respect and non-discrimination
Uphold civility. Do not post or engage in content that is abusive, discriminatory, harassing, or defamatory toward patients, colleagues, or institutions.

Accuracy and evidence-based communication

• Share only credible, verifiable, and evidence-supported information.
• Avoid sensationalism, unverified claims, or medical advice without clinical context.

Compliance with law and council standards
All online conduct must comply with Nigerian laws, including those on defamation, copyright, and data protection, as well as MDCN’s professional and ethical standards.

Accountability
Practitioners are responsible for their online activity. Even deleted or private posts may become public. Breaches of this guidance may be subject to disciplinary or fitness-to-practise proceedings.

2. Practical Guidance for Practitioners

Professional identification
Recommended Practice: Use your real name and, when appropriate, your professional title (e.g. Dr, Dentist) when commenting on medical or public health issues.

Posting clinical content
Recommended Practice: Only share clinical material in secure, professional or academic forums; never on open social media; and always with documented patient consent.

Engaging the public
Recommended Practice: Provide general health education and awareness, not individual diagnoses or treatment plans.

Advertising or promotion
Recommended Practice: Ensure all advertisements comply with laws and Council regulations. Do not make misleading claims or guarantee outcomes. Clearly disclose sponsorships or affiliations.

Interacting with colleagues or institutions
Recommended Practice: Keep discussions professional, factual, and respectful even when disagreeing on policy or practice.

3. Responsible Advocacy and Communication

MDCN values open dialogue, constructive criticism, and professional advocacy as vital to improving health regulation and health service delivery.

However, recent trends have shown that some online posts make false or misleading statements about the Council, its officers, or its regulatory activities, often under the guise of advocacy or reform or public interest commentary.

Why this is problematic:

1. Erodes public trust in the regulatory system and in the profession itself when unverified or inaccurate information is circulated as fact.
2. Misleads practitioners and the public, spreading misinformation or half-truths, particularly when statements are not based on official MDCN communication or verifiable records.
3. Damages reputations of individuals and institutions unfairly, sometimes with malicious intent, violating the ethical principles of fairness, respect, and integrity that guide medical professionalism.
4. Violates ethical and legal standards of fairness, truthfulness, and respect.
5. Exposes the person posting (the author) to legal and disciplinary consequences under defamation and professional conduct laws, especially when false information is published with intent to discredit.

Constructive advocacy is welcome. Professional dissent is acceptable. But defamation is not advocacy.

Principles for responsible online advocacy:

• Verify information directly from MDCN official sources before reposting, commenting or making public assertions.
• Distinguish between personal opinion and factual information.
• Use measured, respectful language even when critiquing policies or regulatory decisions.
• Focus on improving systems, not maligning individuals or institutions.
• Engage the Council through recognised channels rather than resorting to public hostility.

4. Official Channels for Bonafide Enquiries and Complaints

MDCN transmits information through verified MDCN communication channels:

a. Official Website
https://www.mdcn.gov.ng

b. Official Social Media Handles

• X (formerly Twitter): @MDCNOfficial
• Facebook: Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria
• Instagram: @officialmdcn

c. To report a doctor or dentist
https://www.portal.mdcn.gov.ng/doctor-complaint

d. Dedicated Emails

e. Physical Office
Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN)
Plot 1102, Cadastral Zone B11, Off Oladipo Diya Road, Gudu District, Abuja, Nigeria.

f. Direct Correspondence
Letters may be addressed to the Registrar, MDCN, clearly stating the issue, evidence, and contact information for follow-up.

g. Students Correspondence
Medical and dental students who wish to make enquiries, seek clarification, or lodge complaints should do so through their respective College Provosts. Only JAMB-registered, admitted and indexed students are recognised by MDCN.

Note:
The Council will acknowledge all legitimate correspondence through these channels.
Anonymous, defamatory, or malicious online posts will not be treated as formal complaints.

5. Enforcement and Oversight

• Monitoring: MDCN, in collaboration with relevant compliance agencies, may review public online content to identify serious breaches of professional conduct.
• Investigation: Verified complaints will follow due regulatory process by the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Investigative Panel (MDPIP).
• Sanctions: Depending on the gravity of breaches by medical and dental practitioners, sanctions may include warning, suspension, or referral to the Medical and Dental Practitioners’ Disciplinary Tribunal (MDPDT).
• Education: MDCN encourages institutions to train staff and students on professional digital conduct.

6. References and Supporting Resources

• 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 and Public Communications

Council’s Position

MDCN encourages constructive engagement but will not respond to or legitimise defamatory or false statements circulated on social media platforms.

Practitioners and members of the public are encouraged to engage constructively and use official channels to express concerns or offer suggestions.

Defamatory or misleading statements on social media undermine the profession and public confidence, and will be addressed appropriately.

Signed
Management