When to see a general physician
Common reasons people book a consultation.
- Fever, cough or an infection that is not settling
- A new symptom you cannot place with any one organ
- Routine review of blood pressure, diabetes or thyroid treatment
- A health check, or a fitness or medical certificate
- A referral to the right specialist, with your history in hand
What a general physician does
A general physician, often called a family doctor or GP, is the doctor most people in India see first. The basic qualification is an MBBS, which with registration on a state medical council or the National Medical Commission's register allows a doctor to practise. Some general physicians go on to a postgraduate degree in family medicine or general medicine; many experienced family doctors practise on an MBBS alone. What they share is breadth: they look at the whole person rather than one organ.
Most everyday illness is settled at this level. A general physician treats fevers and infections, coughs and stomach upsets, aches and injuries that do not need surgery, and keeps long-term conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes and thyroid disease under steady review. They order and read first-line tests, give vaccinations and health checks, and write the certificates that work, school and insurance often ask for.
Just as important is knowing when a problem needs someone else. A good general physician sends you to the right specialist with a clear note and your reports, rather than leaving you to guess which department to book. In India many people go straight to specialists, but a family doctor who knows your history over years can often save you tests, visits and expense, and will notice when something has changed.
- Chest pain or pressure, especially with sweating or breathlessness
- Sudden weakness of the face, arm or leg, or difficulty speaking
- Severe breathlessness, or a high fever with confusion, a stiff neck or a rash that does not fade
- Heavy bleeding, a serious injury, or someone who has collapsed or cannot be woken: call 108
Conditions general physicians treat
Fever and common infections
Viral fevers, throat and chest infections, urinary infections and stomach bugs, including seasonal illnesses such as dengue and malaria that need testing.
High blood pressure
Usually found on a routine check and managed with lifestyle changes and medicines, with regular review.
Type 2 diabetes
Diagnosis, starting treatment, and periodic checks of sugar control, kidneys, eyes and feet.
Thyroid disorders
An underactive or overactive thyroid is often picked up and managed in general practice, with referral if it is hard to control.
Coughs, colds and allergies
Most settle with simple care; a cough lasting more than a few weeks needs a closer look, including for tuberculosis.
Stomach and bowel complaints
Acidity, indigestion, diarrhoea and constipation, with referral when there are warning signs such as weight loss or bleeding.
Aches, pains and minor injuries
Back pain, joint pain, sprains and small wounds that do not need a surgeon.
Anaemia and tiredness
Common in India, especially in women; simple blood tests usually find the cause.
Preventive care
Health checks, vaccinations for adults, and advice on weight, smoking and alcohol.
Tests and procedures you may come across
Blood pressure, pulse and weight
Taken at most visits; changes over time matter more than a single reading.
Complete blood count (CBC)
Looks for anaemia and signs of infection.
Blood sugar and HbA1c
Screens for diabetes and shows average sugar control over the past few months.
Thyroid, kidney and liver function tests
Routine blood tests used both for diagnosis and to monitor long-term treatment.
Lipid profile
Measures cholesterol as part of assessing heart and stroke risk.
Urine tests
Checks for infection, sugar and protein.
Fever tests
Tests for dengue, malaria, typhoid and other infections, chosen according to the season and symptoms.
ECG and chest X-ray
Often available at the clinic or nearby, and useful before a specialist referral.
General physician or another specialist?
The nearest neighbouring specialities, and when each is the right door.
Before your first visit
- Bring any earlier prescriptions, test reports and discharge summaries, and a list of all medicines you take, including over-the-counter and traditional remedies.
- Be ready to say when the problem started, how it has changed, and what you have already tried.
- Mention long-term conditions, allergies to medicines, and illnesses that run in the family.
- Expect a history, an examination including blood pressure, and sometimes a few blood or urine tests. Many problems are treated on the day; some need a follow-up once results are back.
- If you want a referral, ask for a short note summarising your history so the specialist does not have to start again.
Qualifications and registration to check
Registered with the National Medical Commission or a state medical council. The number can be searched on the NMC's Indian Medical Register. Every profile on The Doctor Index shows the registration number and says whether it has been checked against the register.
How to check a registrationQuestions about seeing a general physician
Should I see a general physician or go straight to a specialist?
For a new symptom you cannot place, starting with a general physician is usually quicker and cheaper. They can treat most common problems and will refer you to the right specialist with your history and first tests when it is needed.
What qualification does a general physician have?
At least an MBBS and registration with a state medical council or the National Medical Commission. Some also hold a postgraduate degree such as MD or DNB in family medicine or general medicine.
Can a general physician manage diabetes and blood pressure long term?
Yes. Most people with uncomplicated diabetes, high blood pressure or thyroid disease are looked after by a general physician, with a specialist involved if control is difficult or complications appear.
Is a family doctor the same as a general physician?
In India the terms are used almost interchangeably. Family medicine is also a postgraduate speciality, and a family physician with that training looks after all ages and the family as a whole.
How often should I have a health check?
It depends on your age, health and family history. A general physician can advise which checks make sense for you and how often, rather than repeating a large package of tests every year.
Also searched as: family physician, family doctor, gp, general doctor, allopathic doctor, physician.
Written by The Doctor Index on 27 Sep 2026, and has not yet been reviewed by a clinician. General information, not advice about your own situation.