Context
- The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed strengthening the National Medical Register (NMR) as a central repository of doctors’ registration and disciplinary records, along with a single, nationally trackable licence framework. The objective is to improve transparency, portability and uniformity in medical regulation.
1. What is the National Medical Register?
- The NMR is a national electronic register of licensed medical practitioners maintained by the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the NMC.
- It contains details such as name, address, recognised qualifications and registration-related information.
- The NMR is intended to be synchronised with State Medical Registers, so changes in registration status can be reflected nationally.
- The NMR portal was launched in 2024 for registration of eligible MBBS doctors.
2. What does the proposed reform seek?
The proposal envisages the NMR as a centralised regulatory repository containing:
- Registration/licence status — active or inactive
- Suspension, removal and restoration of registration
- Disciplinary proceedings/actions against doctors
- Relevant information received from State Medical Councils
- A mechanism to monitor changes in a doctor’s professional status nationally.
This can prevent a doctor facing disciplinary action in one State from effectively escaping scrutiny merely by moving to another State.
3. Single Licence to Practise Medicine
- Under the proposed framework: One national registration record → nationally traceable licence → greater portability across States
- However, remember that State Medical Councils continue to have an important role, particularly in registration and disciplinary proceedings under the NMC framework.
- The NMC’s 2023 Registration and Licence to Practise regulations provide for a five-year validity in specified licensing provisions, including the licence generated for existing practitioners under transitional provisions.
- Renewal Provision: Failure to apply for renewal within 3 months after expiry → licence marked inactive → doctor not entitled to practise until status is restored.
4. Institutional Architecture
National Medical Commission (NMC)
- Statutory body established under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019.
- Replaced the Medical Council of India (MCI) framework.
- Regulates medical education, assessment, professional ethics and registration.
Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB)
- Maintaining the National Medical Register
- Promoting professional ethics
- Working with State Medical Councils on professional conduct
- Exercising appellate jurisdiction over disciplinary action by State Medical Councils.
State Medical Councils (SMCs)
- Maintain State Medical Registers.
- Deal with professional misconduct/ethical violations at the State level.
- Their disciplinary decisions can be appealed to the EMRB, followed by the NMC in the prescribed appellate structure.
| Important CTC from this article for UPSC: NATIONAL MEDICAL REGISTER |
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the National Medical Register (NMR):
1. The NMR is maintained by the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) of the National Medical Commission.
2. It is intended to function independently of the State Medical Registers.
3. It can contain information regarding the suspension, removal and restoration of a doctor’s registration.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only
• Statement 1 — Correct: EMRB maintains the National Medical Register.
• Statement 2 — Incorrect: The NMR is intended to be integrated/synchronised with State Medical Registers, not operate independently.
• Statement 3 — Correct: The proposed framework includes information on suspension, removal and restoration of registration, along with disciplinary action.