Jharkhand may ease registration rules for docs from other states

Ranchi: In a move aimed at improving access to specialist healthcare services, the Jharkhand health department has initiated the process to amend Rule-55 of the Jharkhand State Medical Council Rules, 2023, which currently makes separate state registration mandatory for doctors coming from other states.The issue was discussed during a meeting on Thursday, chaired by Chhavi Ranjan, nodal officer, department of health, medical education and family welfare. Representatives of the Jharkhand Medical Council and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) also attended the meeting.At present, all doctors practising in Jharkhand are required to obtain registration with the Jharkhand State Medical Council, even if they are already registered with the National Medical Commission or another state medical council. Officials said the rule often creates procedural difficulties for specialist doctors coming from outside the state and affects the availability of advanced medical services in Jharkhand.“During the meeting, members agreed to send recommendations to the state govt seeking necessary amendments to Rule-55 to simplify the process for qualified and registered doctors from other states,” the health department informed in a communique.“The proposed amendment aims to make specialist healthcare services more accessible in the state by reducing unnecessary procedural barriers for experienced doctors from outside Jharkhand,” it added.