NMC Draft Seeks Single-State Licence With Nationwide Practice Rights for AFMS Doctors

Overview

• India’s National Medical Commission has issued draft rules for Armed Forces Medical Services doctors and opened them for public comment.
• The draft would let AFMS doctors register with one State Medical Council at entry and practise anywhere in India during service without shifting licences between postings.
• Licences would not be marked inactive for late renewals, with AFMS submitting yearly rosters and renewal details to councils and the NMC.
• Alleged misconduct would be decided by the doctor’s council of registration after a preliminary inquiry by the council where the incident occurred.
• Additional qualifications earned in service would remain valid nationwide for the length of a doctor’s tenure, and those leaving service would need to re-register or transfer in the state where they plan to work.