NMC Proposes Nationwide Practice Rights for Armed Forces Doctors, Easing Licensing Hurdles | India News
New Delhi: Under draft regulations issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC), doctors serving in the armed forces may soon be allowed to practice across India without the need for multiple state registrations.In a notification issued earlier this month, the NMC proposed amendments to its 2023 rules to streamline licensing norms for medical practitioners in the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).Under the draft, doctors commissioned in the AFMS will have to register with only one State Medical Council of their choice, but will be allowed to practice in any state or union territory during their service. The proposed relaxations would apply only during active service, with doctors reverting to standard state-wise registration rules after retirement.The move seeks to remove administrative hurdles for military doctors, who are often posted across states and currently face procedural challenges related to multiple registrations. Dr (Maj) Rajesh Bharadwaj, Consultant ENT, MedFirst ENT Centre, said multiple state registrations often hinder timely care. “Doctors can be stopped from performing even life-saving procedures across NCR due to lack of local registration. These are pointless barriers,” he said, adding that a single registration under the NMC would remove “bureaucratic paralysis” and enable seamless practice.The draft also proposes that additional medical qualifications registered in a state will remain valid nationwide for the duration of service, ensuring uniform recognition across jurisdictions.In a key relaxation, the NMC said that AFMS doctors’ licenses will not be deactivated due to delays in renewal, requiring the armed forces to submit annual records to the respective state medical councils.Further, the provisions relating to transfer of license will not apply to such practitioners during their service, effectively allowing unhindered practice across the country.The draft also lays down a mechanism to handle cases of alleged professional misconduct involving doctors in the armed forces. In the State where a complaint may be received, the State Medical Council of Registration shall retain final jurisdiction over the action. On accountability, Dr Bharadwaj said the matter rests with the state medical council. “Many actions, such as closed networks, undermine action in cases of negligence. A national framework could reduce this bias,” he said, calling the reform “long overdue” and adding that “an NMC certificate should be sufficient to practice anywhere.”The NMC has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 30 days, after which the regulations will be finalised.The proposal is expected to ease operational constraints on armed forces doctors and ensure continuity of care for personnel and their families across postings.
