## Core Concept
The Medical Council of India (MCI) guidelines mandate the preservation of patient records for a specified duration to ensure continuity of care, medico-legal compliance, and epidemiological research. Accurate record-keeping is essential for medical practice.

## Why the Correct Answer is Right
The correct answer, , aligns with the MCI's stipulation that medical records should be preserved for at least **3 years** from the date of the last consultation or treatment. This duration facilitates the retrieval of medical history and supports medico-legal requirements.

## Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect
* **Option A:** is incorrect because preserving records for only 6 months is insufficient for long-term patient care and medico-legal purposes.
* **Option B:** is incorrect as 2 years is still shorter than the recommended duration for record preservation.
* **Option D:** is incorrect because 5 years, although longer than required, does not represent the minimum specified period.

## Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact
A crucial point to remember is that maintaining accurate and comprehensive patient records is vital for both clinical and legal purposes. Ensuring compliance with record-keeping guidelines helps protect both patients and healthcare providers.

## Correct Answer: C. 3 years.