Bihar's Medical Community Sounds Alarm Over Private Practice Ban
Patna witnessed a sharp reaction from doctors as Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced a ban on private practice by government medical professionals. The Bihar Health Services Association (BHSA) immediately raised serious concerns about the state's healthcare system.
Dr Rohit Kumar, general secretary of BHSA, spoke exclusively about the potential consequences of this decision. He warned that implementing such a ban without proper systemic reforms could lead to disastrous outcomes for Bihar's healthcare.
Immediate Threat to Healthcare System
"The government should not tease the system until it is fully fixed," Dr Kumar stated firmly. He pointed out the current reality of Bihar's medical infrastructure. "Right now, we have an extremely low number of doctors. If this blanket ban gets implemented immediately, the entire system will collapse."
Dr Kumar explained that government hospitals simply cannot handle the total patient load without private clinics operating alongside them. The ban would overwhelm already strained public facilities.
Poor Patients Will Suffer Most
Contrary to government claims about patient benefits, Dr Kumar painted a different picture. "This move will not benefit the poor," he asserted. "In interior areas like Saran or Kishanganj, patients completely rely on government doctors who practice privately after their official duty hours."
He described a grim scenario where these clinics would shut down. "Where will a poor patient go at night? They will be forced to travel to cities and get looted by big corporate hospitals."
Addressing Allegations of Neglect
When asked about claims that government doctors neglect their duties for private clinics, Dr Kumar acknowledged the need for accountability. "There should be zero compromise with duty hours," he agreed. However, he provided context about the current working conditions.
"Doctors in Bihar are currently working 48 to 72 hours a week. They are not disappearing from their posts." He shifted focus to the real problem. "The issue is not doctor absence. The real challenge is the lack of infrastructure in government facilities."
Dr Kumar listed critical gaps including emergency staff shortages, insufficient pathologists, and inadequate blood banks. "Without these essential components, even a 24/7 presence of doctors becomes useless."
Alternative Solutions and Compensation
Regarding the possibility of an optional Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA), Dr Kumar offered a measured response. "An optional NPA represents a better route, but it is not a magic fix."
He emphasized that even increased allowances following central standards would not solve the fundamental problem. "The government must first increase the actual number of doctors and nursing staff to meet central standards. Only then can they ask anyone to give up private practice."
Cracking Down on Unethical Practices
Dr Kumar addressed allegations about referral rackets and brokers who direct government patients to private clinics. "This must stop immediately," he stated unequivocally. "We believe strict action should be taken against such middlemen."
He proposed concrete measures. "If a doctor gets caught involved in such cases, the civil surgeon and district magistrate should suspend them and take appropriate action. We are in human service, not dalali (brokerage)."
Predicting Mass Resignations
The BHSA leader predicted serious consequences if the ban gets enforced. "Several doctors will resign, and the healthcare system will suffer. Needy patients will bear the brunt of this decision."
He explained why doctors might leave. "A doctor spends nearly a decade completing their degrees. Currently, starting salaries range between Rs 70,000-80,000. This is almost the same as some nursing staff salaries."
Dr Kumar outlined the economic reality. "If you take away their right to practice privately, new pass-outs and specialists will run away to other states. They will join private hospitals where they can earn double without government restrictions."
Final Stance and Demands
The BHSA has taken a clear position on the government's decision. "If the government forces this decision without consulting the Indian Medical Association or BHSA, the doctors of Bihar will strongly oppose it," Dr Kumar declared.
He presented the association's demands. "We need the government to strengthen infrastructure first. They must fill all vacancies. Proper consultation with stakeholders must happen before any implementation."
Dr Kumar concluded with a stark warning. "Otherwise, the healthcare situation in Bihar will deteriorate significantly. The government must address systemic issues before imposing such restrictions on medical professionals."
