AFMS doctors may practise across India under new NMC draft rules

The National Medical Commission has issued draft rules allowing Armed Forces doctors to register with one State Medical Council while practising across India. The proposal aims to ease regulatory requirements and has been opened for public feedback before final notification

Hyderabad: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has issued a draft notification that will allow medical practitioners commissioned in the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) to register with a single State Medical Council (SMC) of their choice for the duration of their service.

Under the proposed rules, these officers will be deemed authorised to practise in any State or Union Territory across India, acknowledging their mobile service obligations.

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The NMC has proposed these key amendments in the “Registration of Medical Practitioners and Licence to Practice Medicine Regulations, 2023”. The move aims to streamline professional requirements for doctors serving in the military.

Some of the other amendments include that the practitioner’s licence will not be rendered inactive solely for failing to submit renewal applications on time. The AFMS will provide annual records of commissioned doctors and renewal details to the relevant SMC and the NMC.

The State Medical Council where the doctor is registered will hold jurisdiction over alleged misconduct, based on recommendations from the state where the incident occurred.

On retirement, doctors must transfer their registration to the state where they intend to practise, the NMC new draft rules said.

The NMC has invited stakeholders to submit objections or suggestions regarding these draft regulations via email to regn_regulations_amend_2026@nmc.org.in
within 30 days. The final rules will come into force upon publication in the Official Gazette.