Uttarakhand govt not to allow unregistered doctors to practice in the state

The Uttarakhand government has decided to go after the doctors practicing without formal registration in the state.

The decision came in the wake of reports that several doctors and test labs are being run without registration or renewal of their registration.

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No doctor, government or private, will be allowed to practice in the Himalayan state without proper registration or renewal of the same.

In an important and significant step, the Medical Health and Medical Education Department of the state has directed all its District Chief Medical Officers (CMOs) to prepare a list of the doctors working in their respective areas and ensure that no one is allowed to practice without registration with the health department. Action will be taken against doctors who have not acquired or renewed their registration.

The order issued by Health Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar claimed that the step has been taken as per the provisions of the National Medical Commission Act 2019 (formerly the Indian Medical Council Act 1956). The Act regulates medical services across the country and permits doctors to operate only if they are registered in the state health department.

“The state government will strictly ensure transparency and accountability in health services. The department has been getting complaints against several doctors practicing in the state without registration for years. This had raised questions on the quality of health services. Medical practices without valid registration with the state health department will not be permitted under any circumstances. CMOs across the state have been asked to identify the doctors working without registration in the state,” said Health Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar

Dr Kumar said the Medical Council has been asked to send updated lists of doctors to the districts and to make public the list of those practicing without registration.

The health secretary further said, “This decision is not a mere formality but an effort to ensure public health safety and service quality. The government wants to ensure that no patient receives treatment from a doctor practicing without registration. Action will be taken for non-compliance with instructions.”