Now,MCI permission needed for bringing docs from abroad

Prior permission from the MCI is required only when the doctors intend to initiate a new treatment or introduce a new device on a patient here, said Prof. Ranjit Roy Chowdhary,an MCI board member.

MCIs permission in the form of a temporary licence would have to be taken in advance by the hospital/medical institution intending to get the doctor. The medical regulatory body was forced to write to all the hospitals after it found that many hospitals were getting doctors from abroad for conducting surgeries on patients in India.

All medical associations have been alerted for taking action against those flouting the rule. Action as serious as de-registration can also be taken, said an official.

A letter in this respect was issued by MCI to the principals,deans and secretaries of all hospitals last month.