Karnataka updates procedures for medical registration and certification linked to mandatory rural service

The Karnataka Health Department has issued norms on granting temporary registration, provisional degree certificates (PDCs), and course completion certificates to medical graduates required to undergo compulsory government service under the Karnataka Compulsory Service by Candidates Completed Medical Courses Act, 2012.

An official communication in this regard has been sent to the Karnataka Medical Council, the Director of Medical Education, Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences, and other universities in the State.

The circular dated December 10, issued by the Principal Secretary (Health), stated that candidates completing MBBS, postgraduate, or super-specialty degrees in Karnataka are not eligible for permanent registration under the Karnataka Medical Registration Act, 1961, or the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, until they complete the mandatory service. The department noted that these provisions override Central and State medical registration laws.

Temporary registration

However, the circular made it clear that such candidates are eligible for temporary registration from the KMC until they complete the compulsory service period. The KMC has been asked to grant temporary registration accordingly.

Permanent registration will be accorded only after candidates obtain an exemption or discharge from the compulsory service requirement, or when the department issues a no-objection certificate (NOC) for permanent registration. For out-of-State candidates, an affidavit undertaking to serve when called upon will be required for issuance of the NOC.

The department also clarified that universities may issue Provisional Degree Certificates without requiring clearance from the Health and Family Welfare Department. However, the issuance of final degree certificates will continue to be governed by the provisions of the 2012 Act. Similarly, colleges may issue Course Completion Certificates without seeking Departmental approval, the circular added.