by Syed Shadab AliGillani
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council has introduced new guidelines for both local and visiting doctors practising in the region. These regulations aim to streamline the registration process and enhance patient safety. All medical practitioners, including those working temporarily in the area, will now be required to register with the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council.
Dr Salim Khan, President of the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council and Head of Community Medicine at GMC Srinagar, explained the rationale behind these changes. He noted that the guidelines address growing concerns about unregistered doctors practising without proper oversight, particularly those working on a temporary or intermittent basis.
The existing registration system, in place since 1941, has undergone updates over the years. However, the new emphasis on enforcement seeks to resolve issues arising from unregistered doctors treating patients in the region. Under the revised guidelines, any doctor practising in Jammu and Kashmir, whether local, from other parts of India, or abroad, must register with the council.
“This rule is not entirely new,” Dr Salim explained. “What we have done is formalise its implementation, ensuring that all doctors practising in Jammu and Kashmir are properly registered.”
Doctors registered with the Indian Medical Council or other state medical councils will now need to register with the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council if they wish to practice in the region, even temporarily. This includes visiting faculty, consultants, and doctors on short-term assignments.
“When a doctor comes to practice in Jammu and Kashmir, whether for a single day or a longer period, they must register with the local medical council,” Dr Salim said. “The purpose is to ensure accountability and traceability, particularly if complications arise during treatment.”
Dr Salim highlighted that this requirement aligns with similar policies in other parts of India, such as Delhi, where doctors must register in the region where they practice, even if they are already registered nationally.
The decision to implement stricter registration rules follows complaints from patients who experienced complications or inadequate treatment in private clinics where the treating doctors were not registered with the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council. “Investigations revealed that many of these doctors were not registered with us, making it difficult to trace them or take corrective action when necessary,” Dr Salim said.
The updated registration process aims to ensure that only qualified doctors practice in Jammu and Kashmir, thereby protecting patients from unqualified practitioners. The council has also stressed the importance of doctors displaying their registration numbers on prescription pads and clinic signage to increase transparency.
The application process for registration has been simplified, allowing doctors to register online via the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council website. Applicants must provide the necessary documents and proof of qualifications, including a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their home medical council, verifying their good standing. Foreign medical graduates will need their credentials verified by their respective embassies before registration.
Dr Salim assured that the process is straightforward and efficient. “Once all necessary documents are verified, registration can often be completed within a day. We have worked hard to streamline the process to avoid unnecessary delays for qualified doctors,” he said.
One of the key objectives of the new rules is to curb the issue of fake doctors in the region. “There have been instances where unqualified individuals have misled patients with fake credentials,” Dr Salim pointed out. “The new registration system will help patients verify whether a doctor is properly registered with the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council.”
Patients will soon be able to check a doctor’s registration number directly on the council’s website, ensuring they receive care from legitimate medical professionals. This measure is expected to mitigate the risks posed by unqualified practitioners who often target vulnerable patients.
The council is also considering additional measures to enforce compliance. Shortly, all doctors, whether in government hospitals or private clinics, will be required to prominently display their registration numbers on prescriptions and other official documents.
“This will make it easier for patients to identify their treating doctor and verify their qualifications,” Dr Salim said. “Our ultimate goal is to ensure that the healthcare system in Jammu and Kashmir is accountable, transparent, and safe for everyone.”
Dr Salim emphasised that these rules apply to all practitioners in the region, whether local or visiting. “Compliance with registration requirements is mandatory. Failure to adhere could result in legal action,” he warned.
As these new rules take effect, the Jammu and Kashmir Medical Council aims to improve patient safety, enhance the quality of healthcare, and ensure that all doctors practising in the region are properly registered and accountable for their actions.
