Why in News?
The National Medical Commission (NMC) is preparing to introduce the ‘One Nation, One Licence’ framework through the Registration of Medical Practitioners and Licence to Practice Medicine (Amendment) Regulations, 2026. The proposed system will allow eligible doctors to practise anywhere in India with a single registration, instead of obtaining separate registrations in different states.
What is ‘One Nation, One Licence’?
- Under the proposed framework, doctors will be registered through a centralised system linked to the National Medical Register (NMR).
- Each doctor will receive a unique identification number, which will serve as a common registration identity across the country.
- This will allow medical practitioners to move between states without going through a fresh registration process.
Key Highlights
- Under the proposed system, doctors registered with a State Medical Council would receive a centrally generated UID through the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB).
- The UID would be linked to the National Medical Register (NMR) and would allow eligible doctors to practise across India without obtaining separate registrations in different states.
- The proposal seeks to connect the National Medical Register and State Medical Registers electronically. Changes in a doctor’s qualifications, registration status or disciplinary record would be reflected across the linked databases.
- Medical licences would remain valid for five years. If a doctor does not apply for renewal within three months after expiry, the registration would be marked inactive until the required process is completed.
- Existing doctors registered under earlier systems would have to update their details on the EMRB portal to obtain their UID. The one-time UID generation would not involve a processing fee.
- Complaints related to professional misconduct or medical negligence would be handled by the State Medical Council in whose jurisdiction the incident occurred. The final decision would then be reflected in the national and state records.
- The draft also contains provisions for foreign medical graduates and overseas practitioners, including registration arrangements for those who meet the required qualifications and examinations.
- Temporary registration for foreign nationals undergoing postgraduate or super-speciality training in India may be valid for the duration of the course, subject to a maximum of 24 months.
Significance
The proposed system aims to reduce paperwork for doctors who move between states for employment, specialist practice or other professional work. It could also make it easier for regulators and patients to verify a doctor's registration and disciplinary status through a common digital record.
Important Point
The ‘One Nation, One Licence’ system is currently a proposal under draft regulations, not an already implemented nationwide licence. The NMC will consider objections and suggestions before finalising the regulations.