National Medical Commission proposes single licence for doctors to practise across India
Once the State Medical Council grants registration and the Ethics and Medical Registration Board allots the Unique Identification (UID) number, a doctor will not require fresh registration or a separate licence to practise in another State or Union Territory
The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed a comprehensive registration system for medical practitioners across India. Under the proposed system, a doctor would only need a single licence and Unique Identification (UID) number to practise in any State or Union Territory, without requiring fresh registration or a separate license.
This is part of the draft Registration of Medical Practitioners and Licence to Practice Medicine (Amendment) Regulations, 2026. The NMC has invited objections and suggestions from the public for 30 days following notification on August 11, 2026. The registration and licensing process would be handled through a unified portal by the NMC’s Ethics and Medical Registration Board, with State Medical Councils continuing to scrutinise applications and grant registration.
A central National Medical Register would store registration details, disciplinary proceedings, including suspension or removal, and information on the status of a doctor's license. The proposed system aims to promote uniformity and transparency in medical regulation, with disciplinary jurisdiction primarily remaining with State Medical Councils.
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