NMC Mandates Digital Signatures for Doctor Authentication

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has released an advisory concerning the use of digital signatures for the remote authentication of medical records, a growing practice with the rise of telemedicine. Doctors are now required to review all pertinent clinical information and records before applying a digital signature, reinforcing their ethical and legal responsibilities.

This advisory clarifies that digital authentication is restricted to medical reports and records originating from healthcare facilities where the doctor holds an appointment or professional association. Crucially, doctors must maintain exclusive control over their digital signature credentials, preventing any sharing or delegation to unauthorized individuals.

For foreign medical experts providing remote consultations to Indian healthcare establishments, their opinions may be considered if documented appropriately. However, the NMC advisory explicitly states it does not permit unauthorized practice or recognize foreign medical registrations. The goal is to ensure uniform implementation, remove ambiguity, and maintain patient safety and professional accountability in digital healthcare.