Conditions of practice in certain areas.

(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 18 a person whose name has been entered in the list shall not practice as a nurse, midwife or health visitor in an area within the limits of a municipal corporation or a municipal borough unless he—

(a) has been in regular practice as a nurse, midwife or health visitor for a continuous period of five years prior to the date on which this section has come into force, or

(b) has been regular practice as a nurse, midwife or health visitor for a continuous period of two years prior to the date on which this section has come into force and produces a certificate from a hospital or nursing home approved by the Council in this behalf signed by the Matron, Medical superintendent or other responsible officer of such institution that such person has undergone such course of instruction or has received the training as a nurse, midwife or health visitor in such manner as may have been prescribed by by-laws:

(2) The State Government may, after consultation with the district panchayat direct by a notification in the Official Gazette, that the provisions of sub-section (1) shall apply on such date as may be specified therein to any other area in the district, subject to such adaptations and modifications as it may consider suitable having regard to the local conditions of the area.