On October 16, 2024, the Government of Kerala issued a crucial notification mandating registration for practitioners of modern medicine in the state. This regulation is aligned with the National Medical Commission Act of 2020 and the Kerala State Medical Practitioners Act of 2021, emphasizing the importance of formal registration to ensure the quality and accountability of medical practice.
Key Highlights of the Notification
Mandatory Registration:
- Practicing modern medicine without registration from the Kerala State Medical Council is prohibited. Medical professionals must be registered to legally practice in the state.
Consequences of Non-Compliance:
- Displaying unregistered or unrecognized qualifications is punishable under the law. The Kerala State Medical Council is empowered to take disciplinary action against hospitals that violate these regulations, especially those that promote unregistered doctors in advertisements.
Display Requirements:
- Medical practitioners are required to prominently display their registration number, qualifications, and a legally attested copy of their registration certificate at their practice locations. Only the qualifications registered with the State Medical Council can be used on prescriptions, letterheads, and seals.
Verification of Eligibility:
- Institutions must verify the eligibility of medical practitioners by checking the original registration certificates issued by the Kerala State Medical Council. Attested copies of these certificates should also be kept on file within the institution.
Display Boards:
- All medical facilities, including colleges, hospitals, and clinics, must have display boards showing the names, qualifications, additional qualifications, and registration numbers of the practitioners.
Submission of Practitioner Lists:
- Heads of institutions are required to submit a comprehensive list of medical practitioners, including their names, registration numbers, and qualifications, to the Kerala State Medical Council by October 31, 2024. This list should be sent to ksmcdoctorlist@gmail.com.
