Key Facts
The Chhattisgarh government's decision to allow medical professionals from other states to practice without independent registration with the Chhattisgarh Medical Council has sparked widespread protests among local doctors. The notification, issued on June 11 by the Chhattisgarh Department of Public Health & Family Welfare, permits practitioners registered with any state medical council, the National Medical Register (NMR), or other national registers to work in the state without prior approval.
The rule applies to doctors, nurses, technicians, and allied healthcare professionals, reversing the earlier requirement of obtaining a No Objection Certificate from the current state of practice and registering in Chhattisgarh.
Details of the Controversy
Medical associations, including the Chhattisgarh Doctors Federation (CGDF) and the Junior Doctors Association, have voiced strong opposition. On Friday, they held a candlelight march in Raipur demanding a review of the decision. Dr. Heera Singh Lodhi, president of CGDF, cited the case of Narendra Vikramaditya Yadav, who allegedly impersonated a UK-based cardiologist for years and conducted surgeries, including that of former Madhya Pradesh Assembly Speaker Rajendra Prasad Shukla in 2006, who died 18 days after the operation.
Sanjeev Jha, Commissioner-cum-Director of Health Services, Chhattisgarh, defended the move as part of a nationwide deregulation exercise. He stated, "It has happened in Tripura, and other states are also in the process of issuing such deregulation notification. Due to this, the mobility of medical professionals will increase." Regarding verification, Jha explained that hospitals must check credentials through the Healthcare Professionals Registry (HPR) on the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission portal, and practitioners must submit a self-declaration. Complaints will trigger verification and action.
Political and Social Impact
The issue has taken a political turn, with former Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel criticizing the BJP government. He called the notification a "Tughlaqi decree" and demanded its withdrawal, alleging the government has no concern for the people of Chhattisgarh. Dr. Rakesh Gupta, president of the Association of Healthcare Providers India (AHPI) and a Congress leader, accused the government of "robbing young Chhattisgarhi doctors, nurses, and pharmacists of jobs."
Andhra Pradesh recently became the first state to allow doctors from across India to practice without independent registration with its medical council, setting a precedent that other states may follow.
What Readers Should Know
- The notification applies to all healthcare professionals, including doctors, nurses, and technicians.
- Local doctors fear increased competition and reduced job opportunities for Chhattisgarh's medical workforce.
- Critics argue that the move could lower scrutiny and increase the risk of medical fraud.
- Supporters claim it will reduce red tape and improve mobility of medical professionals across states.
- Verification of credentials will rely on the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission portal and self-declaration.
FAQ
What is the new medical deregulation notification in Chhattisgarh?
The Chhattisgarh government issued a notification on June 11 allowing medical professionals registered with any state medical council, NMR, or national register to practice in the state without approval from the Chhattisgarh Medical Council.
Why are doctors protesting against this decision?
Doctors fear the move will reduce local employment opportunities and lower scrutiny of credentials, potentially leading to medical fraud.
How will credentials be verified under the new rule?
Hospitals must verify credentials through the Healthcare Professionals Registry on the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission portal, and practitioners must provide a self-declaration. Complaints will trigger verification and action.
Which other states have implemented similar deregulation?
Tripura has already issued such a notification, and Andhra Pradesh became the first state to allow doctors from across India without independent state council registration.