The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed a nationwide digital system that would allow doctors’ registration and disciplinary records to be tracked across states, making it harder for practitioners facing regulatory action to avoid their history by moving elsewhere.
Under the draft Registration of Medical Practitioners and Licence to Practise Medicine (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, published on August 11, the existing National Medical Register (NMR) would be upgraded into a centralised, real-time database. Each doctor would be assigned a Unique Identification Number (UID), linking their credentials, licence status, suspensions, cancellations and disciplinary proceedings.
The proposed system would electronically connect the NMR with State Medical Council registers. Orders issued by State Medical Councils, the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) or the NMC would be reflected across the linked records.
The framework would also enable doctors with a UID to practise across any state or Union Territory without obtaining separate state licences. Registration would be valid for five years, while failure to renew within three months of expiry would result in inactive status and prevent the practitioner from practising.
Complaints related to medical negligence or unethical conduct would continue to be handled by the State Medical Council in whose jurisdiction the alleged incident occurred. Doctors whose registration or renewal applications are rejected could appeal to the EMRB within 30 days.
The draft also proposes temporary registration for foreign medical professionals visiting India for postgraduate or super-speciality training, allowing them to practise for up to 24 months.
The NMC has invited objections, suggestions and feedback from doctors, professional bodies, healthcare stakeholders and the public before the proposed regulations are finalised.