Argus News - Bihar Govt Bars Government Doctors From Private Practice To Improve Public Healthcare

Patna, Apr 11: In a major decision to improve healthcare services, the Government of Bihar has barred government doctors from practising in private clinics and hospitals, officials said.

The decision, taken under the state’s 'Saat Nishchay-3' (seven resolves) initiative, applies to all doctors working in government hospitals, including those under the Bihar Health Service Cadre, Bihar Medical Education Service Cadre and the Indira Gandhi Institute of Cardiology.

The Health Department issued a proposal stating that government doctors will no longer be allowed to engage in private practice.

Officials said the move aims to ensure better and regular treatment for patients in government hospitals.

Why the Decision Was Taken?
The government believes that many doctors were spending less time in government hospitals and focusing more on private practice, leading to inconvenience for patients.

In several instances, doctors were either unavailable or not providing adequate care in government facilities, affecting service delivery, officials said.

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Doctors to Receive Allowances
To offset potential losses, the government has clarified that doctors will be compensated through Non-Practising Allowance (NPA) and other incentives.

The Health Department said detailed guidelines on implementation will be issued soon, including rules for compliance and action against violations.

The government expressed confidence that the decision will improve the functioning of public hospitals and ensure better healthcare services for the general public.