Objections and suggestions open till May 7; key changes focus on Armed Forces Medical Services doctors
New Delhi: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a draft notification proposing amendments to the Registration of Medical Practitioners and Licence to Practice Medicine Regulations, 2023, inviting objections and suggestions from stakeholders until May 7, 2026.
The proposed framework, titled Registration of Medical Practitioners and Licence to Practice Medicine (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, aims to streamline rules, particularly for doctors serving under the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).
Key Changes Proposed in Draft Regulations
Definition of AFMS Introduced
A new clause will formally define AFMS as the integrated medical services of the Indian Armed Forces functioning under the Ministry of Defence, responsible for healthcare delivery to armed forces personnel, veterans, and their dependents.
Single-State Registration for AFMS Doctors
Medical practitioners joining AFMS will be required to register with only one State Medical Council of their choice during service. They will be allowed to practice across all states and Union Territories due to service obligations.
After retirement or release, they must transfer registration to the State Medical Council where they intend to practice.
Nationwide Practice Rights and Qualification Validity
Pan-India Practice Authority
AFMS doctors will be deemed authorized to practice across India without needing multiple state registrations or licence transfers during their service period.
Recognition of Additional Qualifications
Any additional medical qualification acquired during service must be registered with the concerned State Medical Council. Once recorded, it will remain valid across all states for the duration of service.
Licence Renewal Relief for Armed Forces Doctors
No Inactive Licence Due to Delay
The amendments propose that licences of AFMS doctors will not become inactive solely due to delays in renewal applications. Instead, AFMS will annually submit practitioner details and renewal records to State Medical Councils and the NMC.
Transfer of Licence Rules Relaxed
The draft specifies that provisions related to transfer of licence to practice will not apply to AFMS doctors during their service, further reinforcing their nationwide operational flexibility.
New Regulation 10A: Misconduct Jurisdiction Clarified
A new Regulation 10A outlines how cases of professional misconduct or negligence involving AFMS doctors will be handled:
- The State Medical Council where the doctor is registered will have final jurisdiction.
- If misconduct occurs in another state, the local State Medical Council can investigate and forward recommendations.
- Final action will be taken by the council of registration and communicated to all concerned bodies, including the Ethics and Medical Registration Board.
- The provision does not override disciplinary action under armed forces laws.
Timeline and Feedback Process
The draft amendments were published in the Gazette following provisions under the National Medical Commission Act. The Commission stated that the proposals will be considered after 30 days from April 7, 2026.
Stakeholders must submit objections and suggestions via email in the prescribed format. Submissions through physical or other modes will not be entertained.
Background
The original regulations were notified on May 12, 2023. The current amendments—covering changes in Regulations 2, 6, 7, 8, and 9, along with the introduction of Regulation 10A—have been approved by the competent authority after due procedure.
The draft notification is available on the official website of the National Medical Commission for public review.
