Chhattisgarh Allows Out-of-State Doctors to Practise Without Registration; Locals Protest Fiercely

The Chhattisgarh government's decision to allow medical professionals registered in other states to practise without obtaining separate registration from the state's medical council has triggered opposition from local doctors and healthcare workers. Medical associations have expressed concern that the move could negatively affect employment opportunities for professionals already working in the state and weaken regulatory oversight of healthcare practitioners.

The controversy stems from a notification issued by the Chhattisgarh Department of Public Health and Family Welfare on June 11. Under the new policy, medical practitioners registered with any state medical council, the National Medical Register (NMR), or another register recognised by the Government of India can practise in Chhattisgarh without seeking approval from the Chhattisgarh Medical Council. The change is intended to simplify the process for healthcare professionals seeking to work in the state.

The revised rule applies not only to doctors but also to nurses, technicians and other allied healthcare professionals. It effectively removes the earlier requirement under which practitioners had to obtain a No Objection Certificate from their existing state of registration and then register separately with the Chhattisgarh Medical Council before beginning practice in the state. The government has presented the move as part of efforts to streamline healthcare administration and improve access to medical services.

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However, the decision has met resistance from sections of the medical community. Doctors argue that the removal of local registration requirements could reduce job opportunities for medical professionals trained and employed within Chhattisgarh. They contend that an influx of practitioners from other states may increase competition in an already challenging employment environment, particularly for younger healthcare workers seeking placements in government and private institutions.

Beyond employment concerns, critics have also raised questions about regulatory oversight and accountability. Medical professionals opposing the move believe that local registration provides an additional layer of scrutiny regarding qualifications, professional conduct and disciplinary records. They argue that direct registration with the state medical council helps authorities monitor practitioners more effectively and maintain standards of healthcare delivery within the state.

The debate highlights the broader challenge of balancing workforce mobility with regulatory safeguards in India's healthcare sector. While supporters of the policy may view it as a step towards greater integration of medical services across states, opponents are calling for safeguards to protect local employment and ensure adequate verification of practitioners. The state government has not yet indicated whether it will review the policy in response to the concerns raised by medical associations and healthcare professionals.

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