Section 2(1) in The Indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette And Ethics) Regulations, 2002
1.3Maintenance of medical records.- 1.3.1 Every physician shall maintain the medical records pertaining to his/her indoor patients for a period of 3 years from the date of commencement of the treatment in a standard proforma laid down by the Medical Council of India and attached as Appendix 3.1.3.2If any request is made for medical records either by the patients/ authorised attendant or legal authorities involved, the same may be duly acknowledged and documents shall be issued within the period of 72 hours.1.3.3A registered medical practitioner shall maintain a register of medical certificates giving full details of certificates issued. When issuing a medical certificate he/she shall always enter the identification marks of the patient and keep a copy of the certificate. He/she shall not omit to record the signature and/or thumb-mark, address and at least one identification mark of the patient on the medical certificates or report. The medical certificate shall be prepared as in Appendix 2.1.3.4Efforts shall be made to computerize medical records for quick retrieval.
