India Proposes Unique ID for Doctors

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has proposed a registration system with a Unique Identification (UID) number for doctors, enabling them to practice across India without obtaining fresh registration or a license in another state.

The proposal is part of the draft Registration of Medical Practitioners and Licence to Practice Medicine (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, which was notified by the NMC on August 11, 2026. The NMC has invited objections and suggestions for 30 days from the date of notification.

Under the proposed system, doctors would be eligible to practice across India once registered with a State Medical Council and allotted a UID number. The UID assigned in the National Medical Register would incorporate the State/Union Territory code and the practitioner’s State Medical Register number.

The draft proposes automatic electronic synchronisation between the national and State registers, allowing for seamless updates and changes. The National Medical Register would serve as a central repository of registration details as well as disciplinary proceedings.

The proposal retains the five-year validity of a license, with a condition that if a doctor does not apply for license renewal within three months of expiry, the registration will be marked inactive.

## Why it matters The proposed registration system aims to simplify the process for doctors to practice across different states in India, reducing bureaucratic hurdles and increasing mobility. This move could have significant implications for the healthcare sector, potentially improving access to medical services and expertise across the country.

The NMC's proposal is part of a broader effort to streamline the registration and licensing process for medical practitioners, and the introduction of a Unique Identification number is a key step towards achieving this goal. As the proposal is still in the draft stage, it remains to be seen how it will be implemented and what impact it will have on the healthcare sector.

## What happens next The NMC will consider objections and suggestions received during the 30-day period before finalizing the regulations. Once implemented, the new registration system is expected to simplify the process for doctors to practice across India, and could potentially lead to improved access to medical services and expertise.