Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: Doctors serving in the armed forces may soon be allowed to practice across India without needing multiple state registrations, under draft regulations issued by the National Medical Commission (NMC).In a notification issued earlier this month, the NMC has proposed amendments to its 2023 regulations to streamline licensing norms for medical practitioners in the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).Under the draft, doctors commissioned in AFMS will be required to register with only one State Medical Council of their choice, but will be authorised to practice in any state or Union Territory during their service. The proposed relaxations will apply only during active service, with doctors reverting to standard state-wise registration norms after retirement.The move seeks to remove administrative hurdles for military doctors, who are frequently posted across states and currently face procedural challenges related to multiple registrations. Dr (Maj) Rajesh Bhardwaj, Consultant ENT, MedFirst ENT Centre, said multiple state registrations often block 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 one state will remain valid nationwide for the duration of service, ensuring uniform recognition across jurisdictions.In a key relaxation, the NMC has said that licences of AFMS doctors will not be rendered inactive due to delays in renewal, with the armed forces required to submit annual records to the concerned State Medical Councils.Further, provisions related to transfer of licence will not apply to such practitioners during their service, effectively allowing seamless practice across the country.The draft also lays down a mechanism to handle cases of alleged professional misconduct involving armed forces doctors. While complaints may be received in the state where an incident occurs, the State Medical Council of registration will retain final jurisdiction for action. On accountability, Dr Bhardwaj said the issue lies with State Medical Councils. “Many function like closed networks, weakening action in negligence cases. A national framework could reduce this bias,” he said, calling the reform “long overdue” and adding that “one NMC certification should be enough to practise 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 for armed forces doctors and ensure continuity of care for personnel and their families across postings.
