Posted By :  Admin1

New Delhi: In the next 10 days, the National Medical Commission (NMC) is soliciting feedback from stakeholders and the public regarding the live broadcast of surgical procedures performed on patients by private hospitals. The commission has formed an expert committee to furnish recommendations on the matter of live surgical broadcasts. In a recent public notice issued on Thursday, the NMC highlighted a Supreme Court writ petition. The petitioner contends that several private hospitals are commercially exploiting patients, employing them as models to pursue hidden agendas through live surgery broadcasts during conferences. The public notice expressed concern that several companies exploit the miseries of patients for self-promotion and financial gain. It pointed out that advertising sponsorships and professional showmanship often overshadow the genuine intent of these broadcasts. “Healthcare facilities showcase capabilities, surgeons exhibit skills, and companies promote products—all potentially compromising patient safety." The statement said. It emphasized that pre-recorded surgical videos, tailored to meet educational requirements, can accomplish similar objectives with significantly lower risks. The NMC announced that, in response to the petitioner's request, a committee of experts will be formed to provide recommendations on the matter of live surgical broadcasts by private hospitals in the country. "In this regard all stakeholders and members of the public are invited to provide comments on the said issue of live surgery broadcast within the next 10 days, facilitating the committee in their pursuit of a balanced and informed decision-making process," stated the public notice. Back in October, the Supreme Court sought responses from the Centre and other concerned parties on a plea that raised legal and ethical queries regarding the live broadcast of surgical procedures. The petitioners drew an analogy, comparing it to Virat Kohli both batting and commentating simultaneously. The bench had decided to leave the issue for consideration by the NMC. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, representing the petitioners, mentioned a news report detailing the death of a patient during a live broadcast of surgery. He expressed concern that in certain instances, individuals from lower economic backgrounds are influenced to opt for such procedures.