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What role does the State Medical Council play?

What role does the State Medical Council play?

30-Jun-2025

Medical Negligence

Answer By law4u team

The State Medical Council (SMC) plays a key role in regulating the medical profession within a particular state in India. It functions under the framework of the National Medical Commission (NMC) and ensures that medical practice in the state adheres to ethical and professional standards. Key Roles and Functions of the State Medical Council: 1. Registration of Medical Practitioners: The SMC is responsible for granting registration to doctors who possess recognized medical qualifications. Only registered medical practitioners can legally practice medicine in the state. It maintains a State Medical Register of all licensed practitioners. 2. Renewal and Verification: Handles the renewal of registration and updates the qualifications and practice status of doctors. Verifies doctors' credentials when they apply for jobs, higher education, or transfers to other states. 3. Disciplinary Action and Ethics: Investigates complaints of medical negligence, misconduct, or violation of professional ethics against registered doctors. Has the power to suspend or cancel registration after due inquiry. Can issue warnings or take other disciplinary actions based on the severity of the misconduct. 4. Implementing Code of Ethics: Enforces the Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics Regulations issued by the NMC (earlier by the Medical Council of India). Ensures that medical practitioners follow ethical standards in treatment, confidentiality, and behavior. 5. Coordination with the NMC: Shares data with the National Medical Commission for integration into the Indian Medical Register. Helps implement central policies, guidelines, and reforms in medical education and practice. 6. Medical Education Oversight (Limited Role): May be involved in the approval of Continuing Medical Education (CME) programs for doctors. Ensures that practitioners update their skills and stay informed about advancements in medicine. 7. Public Grievances: Receives and examines complaints from patients or the public regarding improper treatment, overcharging, or unethical behavior. Provides an official platform for redressal of grievances against doctors. --- Examples of State Medical Councils in India: Delhi Medical Council Maharashtra Medical Council Tamil Nadu Medical Council Karnataka Medical Council Each state has its own council functioning independently but under the overall supervision of the NMC. Legal Basis: State Medical Councils are governed by respective State Acts and aligned with the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, which replaced the Medical Council of India. Summary: The State Medical Council acts as the guardian of medical ethics and standards in each state. It registers and regulates doctors, ensures ethical practice, handles complaints from the public, and coordinates with national authorities to promote safe and lawful medical care.

Answer By Ayantika Mondal

Dear Client, State Medical Council has a significant function in the regulation of medical practice in a state in India.It enrolls physicians, verifies that they possess necessary qualifications, and maintains a current list of licensed physicians. It also resolves complaints of medical negligence or misconduct against physicians and has authority to take disciplinary action, including suspending or revoking a physician's license. By establishing and enforcing professional standards, the State Medical Council ensures trust in the health system and safeguards patients' rights. I hope this answer helps. In case of future queries, please feel free to contact us. Thank you.

Answer By Anik

Dear Client, A State Medical Council serves as a legally established regulatory organization established as per the Indian Medical Council Act of 1956 which was replaced by the National Medical Commission Act of 2019, yet State Councils still function. The primary purpose of the Council is to make sure the practice of medicine is under regulation at the State Level. Main functions of the Council – 1. It provides provisional and permanent registration for qualified doctors like the ones holding an MBBS degree or its equivalent, as is deemed necessary by the State. Such doctors are permitted to practice modern medicine. 2. A State Medical Council is responsible to maintain an up-to-date record of every medical practitioner registered by the council. 3. The Council is also responsible for taking action and investigating when any medical negligence or misconduct complaints are filed against doctors for their unethical behaviour. 4. Should the Council find the complaint to be true, it is authorized to give punishments like – a warning, temporary suspension, removal from the State Medical Register in serious cases. 5. It is the responsibility of the State Medical Council to ensure that all medical practices follow ethical standards. This is done under the Code of Medical Ethics. I hope this answer helps. For any further queries, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you.