Jharkhand is about to bring a much-needed change in the medical field by permitting doctors from other states to practice in the state without acquiring additional registration from the Jharkhand Medical Council. The plan is likely to bring much relief to the doctors outside and ease the availability of specialist health care services all over the state.
Currently, if a doctor registers in other Indian states, he/she needs to register in Jharkhand as well to be able to practice in the state. This provision has been attacked on the ground that it causes undue delay and is a disincentive to doctors who have already been able to serve the citizens of the state, particularly in private hospitals and clinics.
The Jharkhand Health Department is planning to revise Rule 55 in the Jharkhand State Medical Council Rules 2023, it is reported. The proposed amendments mean that a doctor who is registered with the National Medical Commission (NMC) or any state medical council would not be required to be re-registered for practising medicine in private practice in Jharkhand. Rather, they would merely be required to notify the Jharkhand Medical Council with regard to their location as well as the duration of their practice.
The officials are of the opinion that the decision would help in tackling the shortage of specialist doctors in Jharkhand. A significant number of districts across the State still face challenges of inadequate healthcare infrastructure and the availability of skilled health workers. Patients typically have to visit larger cities, such as Ranchi, Kolkata, Delhi and Patna for more sophisticated care and expert advice.
The proposed reform is likely to streamline the process of inviting top medical talent from outside the state for surgeries, consultations and camps for special treatment in the private hospitals. This may enhance the medical facilities and decrease the waiting time of the patients, according to healthcare professionals.
The relaxation, however, will only be for private practice, they report. All physicians who are applying for government employment, appointments in State service and postings in the government hospitals will continue to undergo the registration process with the Jharkhand Medical Council.
This has been well-received by many doctors and private healthcare institutions. Doctors feel the elimination of the need to register twice will make things easier and encourage more professionals to come to Jharkhand.
Meanwhile, though, the initiative is not yet law. The amendment proposal is likely to be submitted to the state cabinet for approval in the coming weeks by the Health Department. If the newly introduced rule is accepted, it could be a big step towards improving healthcare facilities in Jharkhand and, hence, the attraction of doctors from all over the country.
