Andhra Pradesh allows doctors from across India to practice without state registration

In a first for the country, the Andhra Pradesh government has removed the requirement for doctors from other states to register separately with the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council before practicing in the state. The new policy, announced on June 11 through an order from the Department of Health and Family Welfare, also exempts doctors from needing a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their home state or union territory.

The order states: “In pursuance of the policy decision of the Government under PA-19 (Priority Area -19) and in order to facilitate ease of practice for qualified medical practitioners, the Government of Andhra Pradesh hereby notifies that any person possessing a recognized medical qualification and holding a valid registration with any State Medical Council or Union Territory Medical Council in India shall be permitted to practice in the State of Andhra Pradesh.”

This move makes Andhra Pradesh the first state in India to eliminate registration barriers for doctors from other parts of the country. The decision is aimed at addressing the shortage of medical professionals in the state and improving access to healthcare for residents.

Previously, doctors wanting to practice in Andhra Pradesh had to undergo a separate registration process with the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council and obtain an NOC from the medical council of the state where they were originally registered. This process was often time-consuming and acted as a deterrent for many doctors seeking to work in the state.

The new policy is expected to attract more doctors to Andhra Pradesh, particularly in rural and underserved areas. It aligns with the central government’s efforts to promote ease of doing business and professional mobility across states.

Medical associations have welcomed the move, though some have raised concerns about ensuring the quality of care and monitoring of doctors who move interstate. The state government has stated that all doctors must still hold a valid registration with any state or union territory medical council and possess a recognized medical qualification, ensuring that only qualified practitioners are allowed to practice.