Efforts are underway across India to bring uniformity in several sectors. In the healthcare industry, an important question arises: Why should doctors be restricted to practice only within the boundaries of the state where they are registered? In a world moving toward globalization, such restrictions seem outdated.
Current Scenario
- Doctors are registered with State Medical Councils, and their practice is limited to the state of registration.
- To work in another state, they need a No Objection Certificate (NOC), which deactivates their registration in their original state.
- These regulations apply to both medical and dental practitioners.
Impact of Restrictions
- Healthcare services: Doctors are restricted from practicing in other states, even though they have the necessary qualifications from a nationally recognized institutions.
- Hospital expansion: As hospitals expand across states, transferring doctors to different locations is illegal without the proper NOC.
- Medical camps: Doctors attending medical camps or emergencies in other states often do so without following legal procedures.
A Move Towards Change
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has recently proposed providing a unique identification number to doctors. While this is a step in the right direction, it doesn’t fully solve the issues that arise from regional restrictions.
Need for “One Nation, One Doctor” Policy
There is a growing need for a centralized system that would allow doctors to practice freely across India.
Benefits of a Centralized System
- Nationwide Practice: Doctors can practice in any state without needing an NOC or facing legal issues.
- Seamless Transition: Hospitals can transfer doctors to where they are needed most.
- Better Patient Care: Medical professionals will be able to respond to emergencies across state borders.
- Simplification: A centralized database tied to Aadhaar can automatically update doctors’ registration details, making renewal and changes in contact information hassle-free.
Proposed Solutions
- Unique ID: A unique identification number linked to a doctor’s Aadhaar, enabling seamless registration across states.
- Automatic Registration: Graduates from accredited medical colleges should be registered automatically, making the process straightforward.
- Unified Medical Database: A centralized system where all doctors’ information is stored and easily accessible across the country.
Conclusion
Allowing doctors to practice nationwide will benefit healthcare delivery, medical professionals, and patients alike. The current state boundaries restrict the smooth functioning of the healthcare system. By implementing a “One Nation, One Doctor” policy, India can create a more efficient and accessible healthcare system for all.
Dr. Vivek S. Agrawal
Urban Health and Communication Specialist