Can A Doctor Practice In Another State Without Registering There?

In India, medical practice is regulated by the State Medical Councils, and a doctor must be registered with the medical council of the state where they wish to practice. This ensures that the doctor meets the required standards for medical practice in that state.

Can A Doctor Practice In Another State Without Registering There?

1. State-Specific Registration Requirement:

No, a doctor cannot legally practice in another state without registering with the State Medical Council of that state. While a doctor may be registered in one state, that registration only authorizes them to practice in that particular state. If a doctor wishes to practice in another state, they must first apply for registration with the medical council of that state.

2. Process of Cross-State Registration:

Cross-State Practice: If a doctor registered in one state wants to practice in another state, they must apply for mutual recognition or temporary registration in the new state.

Registration Transfer: Doctors can apply to transfer their registration from one state to another if they plan to permanently move to a new state for practice.

3. Indian Medical Register (IMR):

If a doctor is registered with a State Medical Council, their name is typically also entered into the Indian Medical Register (IMR) maintained by the National Medical Commission (NMC). While this is a national database, it doesn’t automatically grant the doctor the right to practice in any state. State-specific registration is still required.

4. Exceptions & Temporary Permits:

In some cases, a doctor might be able to practice in another state temporarily, provided they meet certain requirements:

• Some states may issue a temporary license or permit for short-term practice, but this is not the same as full registration with the state’s medical council.

Example

A doctor registered with the Delhi Medical Council cannot practice in Maharashtra unless they apply for and obtain registration with the Maharashtra Medical Council.

Similarly, a doctor who has been practicing in Karnataka would need to register with the Kerala Medical Council if they plan to move and practice in Kerala permanently.

Conclusion

A doctor cannot legally practice in another state without being registered with the State Medical Council of that state. While the Indian Medical Register (IMR) is a national registry, doctors must apply for state-specific registration to practice legally in a different state. Therefore, cross-state practice requires proper registration or a temporary permit.