Divergent Doctor Registration Rules in Two States Spark Debate on National Framework
NEW DELHI: Two Indian states have adopted contrasting approaches to the registration of medical practitioners, reigniting discussions about a unified national framework. While Andhra Pradesh has eased interstate practice for doctors, Maharashtra has retained verification safeguards to ensure accountability.
On June 11, the Andhra Pradesh government issued an order allowing doctors registered with any State or Union Territory Medical Council to practise in the state without obtaining separate registration or a No Objection Certificate (NOC). This move, part of the state's deregulation reforms, removes a long-standing requirement that often delayed doctors moving across states.
In contrast, the Maharashtra Medical Council adopted a different approach on June 5. It removed the requirement for doctors to obtain an NOC themselves but retained registration and verification requirements. The council now directly seeks verification from the parent state council and grants provisional registration pending clearance. This ensures that doctors are vetted before they begin practising in the state.
Dr Daggumati Sreehari Rao, a member of the Andhra Pradesh Medical Council, clarified that the state's order does not eliminate oversight. Doctors from other states will still need to apply online, disclose their registration details, and declare any disciplinary proceedings against them. The council will verify these details with the parent state council before permitting practice. Rao added that detailed procedures for the system are still being finalised.
The debate over a national registration framework has gained momentum since the National Medical Commission examined a proposal to allow Armed Forces Medical Services doctors, who are frequently transferred, to practise nationwide based on a single registration. Supporters argue that multiple state registrations create unnecessary barriers for doctors and hinder access to healthcare.
RTI activist Dr Babu V said Andhra Pradesh's decision could serve as a template for wider reform. “Disallowing doctors from serving where they are needed because of bureaucratic registration requirements is not in the best interests of patients or the nation. If NMC can consider nationwide practice rights for armed forces doctors, the same principle can be extended to all registered doctors,” he said.
However, Dr Anil Kumar J Nayak, president of the Indian Medical Association, cautioned against removing verification safeguards. “Registration can be simplified, but accountability cannot be compromised. Verification is important to identify doctors facing disciplinary action elsewhere,” he said.
