How to check a doctor's registration in India
Every doctor, dentist and nurse in India must be registered. How registration works, where to check it, and what it does and does not tell you..
Written by HoMedi Editorial Team
Medically reviewed by Dr Vinod Kumar, MBBS · Reg. No. APMC/FMR/97301 (Andhra Pradesh Medical Council)
Published · Last reviewed · 1 min read
Before someone treats you or visits your home, it is reasonable to check that they are who they say they are. In India, doctors, dentists and nurses must be registered with the right council before they can practise. Checking takes a few minutes.
What registration means
Registration confirms that a professional has a recognised qualification and is allowed to practise. Each registered professional has a registration number issued by their council. Many doctors print it on their prescriptions and letterheads.
Registration is an important check, but it has limits. It does not guarantee the quality of care, a particular skill, or a good outcome.
Who registers whom
- Doctors are registered with a State Medical Council, and the National Medical Commission (NMC) maintains the national Indian Medical Register
- Dentists are registered with a State Dental Council
- Nurses are registered with a State Nursing Council
How to check a doctor
- Ask the doctor for their full name as registered, their registration number, and the council that registered them
- Search the Indian Medical Register on the National Medical Commission website (nmc.org.in), or the register of the relevant State Medical Council
- Check that the name, qualification and council match what you were told
You can also look up a doctor's registration with Know Your Doctor on this site, which checks against available authorized sources.
Warning signs
Be cautious if someone:
- Will not tell you their registration number or council
- Gives a name or qualification that does not match the register
- Offers to prescribe strong medicines without examining the patient
If something does not feel right, you can report it to the relevant council.
Why it matters at home
When a professional visits your home, you are trusting them with your family's health and your privacy. A quick check of their registration is a simple, sensible step. On HoMedi, every professional's registration is checked against an authorized source before they are listed.
Questions people ask
Registration confirms that the person is qualified and allowed to practise. It does not guarantee the quality of care or a particular outcome.
No. Registration numbers are meant to be public, and many doctors print theirs on prescriptions. Asking is a normal and sensible check, especially before someone visits your home.
