NMC proposes central tracking of doctors’ disciplinary records

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed linking the National Medical Register (NMR) with state registers to track a doctor's licence status, suspension, removal and other disciplinary action across India. The draft Registration of Medical Practitioners and Licence to Practice Medicine (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, published on August 11, makes the NMR a central repository of registration details and disciplinary orders issued by State Medical Councils, NMC or its Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB).

Under the draft, complaints of professional misconduct, unethical conduct or medical negligence will be handled by the State Medical Council in whose jurisdiction the alleged incident occurred. Its decision will be reflected against the doctor's credentials in the online register. If another council recommends disciplinary action, it will be automatically updated in the doctor's primary state register via electronic synchronisation. The Times of India reports that a unified registration portal is proposed, allowing a doctor with a NMR unique identification number to practise in any state without fresh registration.

A medical licence will remain valid for five years, non-renewal within three months of expiry will mark the registration inactive. Existing doctors without a NMR UID must update details through the EMRB portal within a timeframe to be decided. The draft is open for objections and suggestions, with an earlier version from April 7, 2026, withdrawn.