Andhra Pradesh Eliminates Registration Barriers for Doctors Nationwide

Andhra Pradesh Opens Doors to Doctors Nationwide, Scraps State Registration Hurdle

In a landmark move, Andhra Pradesh has become the first state in India to eliminate registration barriers for doctors from across the country. Under new rules issued by the state’s Department of Health and Family Welfare on June 11, medical practitioners registered with any State or Union Territory Medical Council in India can now practice in Andhra Pradesh without the need for additional registration or a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

The government order states: “Any person possessing a recognized medical qualification and holding a valid registration with any State Medical Council or Union Territory Medical Council in India shall be permitted to practice in the State of Andhra Pradesh.” This policy change, part of the state’s PA-19 (Priority Area -19) initiative, aims to simplify the process for qualified medical professionals and facilitate ease of practice.

Previously, doctors wishing to practice in another state were required to deregister from their current State Medical Council, obtain an NOC, and then register with the new state’s council. The new system in Andhra Pradesh removes these procedural hurdles, although the state’s Medical Council will still collect necessary information for verification and record-keeping through an online portal.

Experts believe this progressive step will not only attract doctors from across India to Andhra Pradesh but also position the state as a hub for medical tourism. However, the new rules do not exempt practitioners from compliance with the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, or other applicable regulations, including those related to professional ethics and disciplinary proceedings.

The cumbersome process of obtaining NOCs and re-registering in different states has long been a challenge for doctors. Dr. Babu KV, a registered medical practitioner in Kerala and a central working committee member of the Indian Medical Association, has called for similar reforms nationwide. He emphasized that any doctor registered with a State Medical Council is automatically listed in the Indian Medical Register, which legally allows them to practice anywhere in India under Section 27 of the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.

Dr. Babu expressed hope that the National Medical Commission (NMC) would take Andhra Pradesh’s example and implement reforms enabling doctors to practice freely across states without multiple registrations.

This initiative by Andhra Pradesh marks a significant step towards reducing bureaucratic hurdles in the medical profession and ensuring better access to healthcare services across the state.