NMC's 'One Nation, One Licence' Framework for Doctors (Current Events)
NMC's 'One Nation, One Licence' Framework for Doctors (Current Events)
Why In News:
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released the Registration of Medical Practitioners and Licence to Practice Medicine (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, proposing a 'One Nation, One Licence' framework.
Key Provisions of the Proposal
A Unique Identification (UID) Number will be generated for every doctor after registration with their State Medical Council, linked to the National Medical Register (NMR).
Once credentials are updated through a centralised electronic portal, the single UID will make a doctor eligible to practise nationwide, without needing to re-register in each State.
Medical practising licences will be valid for five years; if renewal is missed within three months of expiry, the licence status automatically turns inactive, suspending the right to practise.
Complaints of professional misconduct or medical negligence will be investigated by the State Medical Council where the incident occurred, with the decision shared with the national database for centralised, life-long tracking.
Special provisions have been proposed for doctors in the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), who may register with one State Medical Council of choice and practise anywhere by virtue of service obligations.
About the National Medical Commission
The NMC was established under the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, replacing the erstwhile Medical Council of India (MCI).
The NMC comprises four autonomous boards: the Under-Graduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB), Post-Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB), Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB), and Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB).
The EMRB is specifically responsible for maintaining the National Medical Register (NMR) under Section 31 of the NMC Act, 2019.