AMARAVATI, ANDHRA PRADESH: The Andhra Pradesh Department of Health and Family Welfare has issued a policy directive allowing qualified medical practitioners registered with any State Medical Council or Union Territory Medical Council in India to practice in Andhra Pradesh without obtaining separate state registration or a No Objection Certificate (NOC).

According to the directive, doctors holding valid registrations elsewhere in India will be permitted to practice in the state, subject to compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and professional standards.

Previously, doctors seeking to practice in another state often had to complete administrative formalities, including obtaining clearances and registering with the respective state medical council. The new policy aims to simplify these procedures.

Key features of the directive include:

• Doctors registered with any State or Union Territory Medical Council may practice in Andhra Pradesh in accordance with prevailing regulations.
• The Andhra Pradesh Medical Council will maintain records and process necessary declarations through its online portal.
• Medical practitioners will continue to be governed by the provisions of the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, 2019, professional ethics requirements, and applicable disciplinary regulations.

Healthcare stakeholders have welcomed the move, stating that it may improve professional mobility for doctors and help address healthcare workforce requirements in different regions of the state.

Officials indicated that the policy is intended to simplify administrative procedures while ensuring compliance with national regulatory standards.