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Context: The National Medical Commission (NMC) is launching a "one nation, one registration platform" to streamline and centralize doctor registrations, eliminating duplication and red tape while providing the public easy access to information on all physicians practising in India.

One Nation, One Registration Platform

• Unique Identification Number: Doctors will be assigned a unique identification number in the National Medical Register (NMR). This number will serve as an identifier throughout their medical career.
• Masked ID for Students: Undergraduate students will receive a masked ID in the NMR. This ID will be unmasked upon completion of their medical education.
• Centralized Database: The NMR will serve as a centralized database containing comprehensive information about medical practitioners, including their qualifications, date of registration, place of work (hospital/institute name), speciality, year of passing, university, and the institute/university where the qualification was obtained.
• Accessibility: The information in the NMR will be accessible to the general public, providing transparency about medical practitioners' credentials and qualifications.

Existing Data Transfer

• Data of nearly 14 lakh (1.4 million) doctors currently registered in the existing system will be transferred to the National Medical Register (NMR). This ensures a smooth transition of existing records into the new platform.

Regulations and Appeals

• Regulatory Framework: The NMC has established regulations governing various aspects, including the registration of additional qualifications, renewal of medical licenses, transfer of licenses, removal and restoration of registration, and denial of license to practice.
• Appeals Process: If a candidate's application for a medical license or its renewal is rejected by the State Medical Council, the applicant has the option to file an appeal with the Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB) within 30 days of receiving the rejection decision.

Quality Rating of Medical Institutions

• The NMC has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Quality Council of India (QCI). As per this agreement, both government and private medical colleges will be rated based on the quality of medical education they provide. This rating system will be implemented starting from the academic session of 2024-25.

Significance of "one nation, one registration platform"

Streamlining and Centralizing Registrations	●By centralizing doctor registrations, the NMC aims to eliminate duplication and red tape associated with multiple registrations across states and medical councils. ●This streamlined process can enhance administrative efficiency and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for healthcare professionals.
Uniform Standards	●The initiative ensures uniform registration standards across the country. This means that doctors will be held to the same set of criteria, regardless of the state in which they practice. ●It promotes consistency and standardization in medical qualifications and practices.
Improved Healthcare Access	●A centralized platform makes it easier for the public to access information about registered physicians. ●Patients can verify the credentials of their doctors more easily, leading to increased trust and confidence in the healthcare system. This transparency is essential for informed decision-making, especially in critical medical situations.
Enhanced Monitoring	●Centralizing registrations allows for better monitoring of healthcare professionals. This can include tracking their professional development, adherence to ethical standards, and disciplinary actions if required. ●Such monitoring ensures that doctors are continuously updating their skills and knowledge, which is crucial in the rapidly evolving field of medicine.
Data-driven Policies	●Having a centralized database provides valuable data for policymakers and researchers. They can analyze trends, the distribution of healthcare professionals, and other essential factors. ●This data-driven approach can help in making informed decisions related to healthcare policies, resource allocation, and addressing regional disparities in the distribution of medical professionals.
Simplified Inter-State Mobility	●For doctors, especially those who frequently move across states due to job opportunities or other reasons, a unified registration system simplifies the process of practising in different regions. ●It removes the hassle of re-registering in each state, promoting the mobility of healthcare professionals and ensuring the availability of medical services in underserved areas.
International Recognition	●A standardized registration system can enhance the international recognition of Indian medical qualifications. ●This can facilitate the movement of Indian doctors across borders and encourage collaborations with international healthcare organizations, ultimately benefiting the overall healthcare system in India.

Conclusion

• This initiative by the NMC aims to enhance transparency, ease administrative burdens, and ensure the availability of accurate and updated information about medical practitioners, benefiting both healthcare professionals and the general public.

Must Read Articles:

National Medical Commission Bill 2022: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/national-medical-commission-bill-2022

National Medical Commission’s new guidelines: https://www.iasgyan.in/daily-current-affairs/national-medical-commissions-new-guidelines

PRACTICE QUESTION Q. What are the key challenges faced in the current medical education system in India, and what reforms are necessary to ensure the production of competent and ethical healthcare professionals to meet the evolving healthcare needs of the country?