Question : REGISTERED DOCTORS AND NURSES

(a) the total number of registered doctors and nurses in the country, State/ UT- wise;

(b) whether a number of registered doctors and nurses are not working anymore in the country, and if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor, State/UTwise;

(c) whether the Medical Council of India (MCI) and the Indian Nursing Council (INC) periodically update the registers in order to ascertain the actual number of doctors and nurses actively practicing in the country;

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor; and

(e) the corrective measures taken/ proposed to be taken by the Government to maintain the live register for exact estimation of active doctors and nurses in the country?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (DR. HARSH VARDHAN)

(a): As per information provided by Medical Council of India (MCI) and Indian Nursing Council, there are 9,29,021 doctors and 7,49,409 ANMs and 16,60,207 Registered Nurses (RN) & Registered Midwives (RM) registered in the country. Statements are placed at Annexure 1A and IB.

(b): The Government is aware that large number of doctors and nurses migrate to other countries either for pursuing higher studies or for employment. However, no specific information regarding number of Indian doctors and nurses working abroad is available with the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

(c)&(d): As per section 21 of Indian Medical Council Act, 1956, Medical Council of India is responsible for maintenance of Indian Medical Register. This register is maintained based on information received from respective State Medical Councils. Similar provision exists in section 15-A of Indian Nursing Council Act, 1947 for maintaining Indian Nurses Register.

For periodical updation in State Medical Register, it is necessary to have relevant provisions in respective State Medical Council Acts, which does not exists/being implemented in all States. These registers are not updated periodically to ascertain the number of doctors and nurses actively practicing in the country.

(e): Government has advised the Councils to initiate a process of maintaining `live` registers.