The Gujarat Medical Council (GMC) has issued a strict directive to Foreign Medical Graduates (FMGs) practicing in Gujarat, prohibiting the use of advanced titles such as 'MD,' 'MS,' or 'Physician' on official documents, stationery, clinic boards, and nameplates. These instructions, outlined in an order dated October 21, 2024, specify that FMGs should only display ‘MBBS’ as their title unless they have acquired and registered a postgraduate qualification with the GMC. Non-compliance could result in the suspension of their medical licenses.

The GMC has explained that these titles—‘MD’ and ‘MS’ in India—are specific to postgraduate specializations such as ‘Doctor of Medicine’ and ‘Master of Surgery.’ For Indian citizens, the use of these titles by FMGs with only undergraduate medical degrees can lead to confusion, particularly given that the Indian medical community follows a different structure and standard for titles. The Council’s new directive intends to prevent misunderstandings regarding doctors' qualifications and to protect public trust by ensuring that FMGs transparently communicate their academic credentials.

The GMC has also clarified that FMGs can register and display additional qualifications if they have obtained GMC approval for those degrees. This measure targets a recurring issue where medical graduates from other countries, where the academic title system differs, return to India and use titles like 'MD' and 'Physician' based on their home country’s conventions. In India, however, the title 'MD' signifies a specialized postgraduate degree, which is strictly regulated to ensure consistency in representation across the nation.

The issue has prompted multiple Indian state medical councils to issue similar guidelines. State councils have repeatedly asked FMGs not to display unearned titles on prescriptions, clinic boards, or other official materials. These ongoing efforts emphasize the responsibility of FMGs to maintain clarity and accuracy when conveying their professional qualifications to the public.

This is not the first time Indian authorities have intervened to regulate the use of medical titles among FMGs. In 2022, officials in Nalgonda district, Telangana, issued a similar warning to FMGs, asking them to use only their actual earned degree on prescription pads and official documents. The directive came in response to reports that several foreign-trained doctors were identifying themselves as ‘MD (Physician)’ when their highest qualification was actually an MBBS degree. Nalgonda’s medical board officials reminded FMGs of the need to register all qualifications with the relevant state councils, cautioning that unregistered or incorrect titles could lead to legal consequences.

In India, MBBS graduates—whether trained domestically or abroad—are required to register with the appropriate State Medical Council to legally practice medicine. Additionally, any postgraduate qualifications or diplomas must also be registered with the state council before they can be displayed on any official documents, including nameplates and stationery. This policy underscores the council's commitment to a standardized approach for both Indian-trained and foreign-trained doctors.

These ongoing restrictions aim to protect patients and avoid any potential misrepresentation of qualifications among medical practitioners. GMC's actions reflect a broader commitment among state medical councils to uphold transparency and maintain the integrity of the healthcare system by addressing any inconsistencies in credential representation.

(Input from various sources)

(Rehash/Yash Kamble/MSM)