The Bihar health department has started crafting a policy to ban private practice by government doctors. This move comes directly in response to persistent complaints about doctors skipping their duties at public health facilities, especially in rural regions.
Complaints Spark Action
Sources within the health department reveal that repeated grievances highlighted a troubling pattern. Many government doctors were not regularly available at their assigned workplaces. Patients often received advice to visit private clinics instead. These issues were particularly acute in rural and remote areas, where doctor shortages already pose a significant challenge.
Following preliminary investigations, authorities took action against some doctors found absent from duty. These developments reignited high-level discussions about enforcing stricter rules for government medical staff.
Leadership Announcements
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar made a clear announcement during his Samridhhi Yatra on Friday. He stated that private practice by government doctors would soon be prohibited in Bihar. Kumar emphasized that the primary duty of these doctors is to serve the common people. He warned that negligence in this responsibility would not be tolerated.
State Chief Secretary Pratyaya Amrit confirmed the directive on Saturday. He said the health department received orders to frame a policy on this issue and work has already commenced. "The department has been asked to frame a policy and the process has started," Amrit stated.
Policy Development Underway
Health Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh provided further details. He noted the proposal is not entirely new. It was previously mentioned in the state's development roadmap, Saat Nishchay-3, which explicitly discussed introducing a policy to ban private practice by government doctors.
"The department is working on the formulation of such a policy. Once it is finalised, it will be placed before the competent authority and then sent to the cabinet for approval," Singh explained.
Current Workforce and Challenges
Singh gave an overview of the existing medical workforce. Bihar currently has around 10,000 government allopathic doctors, including those on contract. Despite this number, officials admit availability at public health facilities remains uneven, particularly in rural areas. This inconsistency affects patient care and fuels public dissatisfaction.
When questioned about the policy's potential effectiveness, Lokesh Kumar Singh expressed confidence. "Definitely it will strengthen the health infrastructure and ensure the presence of doctors even in rural areas," he said. He stressed that ensuring doctors remain available during duty hours is crucial for improving service delivery and rebuilding public trust in the government health system.
Doctors' Reactions and Recommendations
Doctors' associations have largely welcomed the proposed ban. However, they emphasize the need for adequate safeguards and fair compensation.
Representatives from the Indian Medical Association argue that a ban on private practice must include a proper non-practice allowance. This compensation would fairly offset the loss of additional income for government doctors.
Historical Context and Caution
Dr. Ajay Kumar, former president of the Bihar Health Service Association and current national convener member of the IMA action committee, offered a cautious perspective. He noted similar decisions were attempted several times in the past but could not be sustained. He referenced an earlier instance where doctors were denied non-practice allowance based on unproven rumors of private practice.
Dr. Ajay urged the government to consult doctors before finalizing the policy. "We are not sure whether the govt will stick to its decision and hope it does not succumb to political pressure," he said.
He suggested the government should initially allow doctors to choose whether to opt into the scheme. According to his assessment, over 50% of teaching cadre doctors and more than 60% of doctors in rural areas would likely agree. However, for rural postings, he stressed the need for additional rural compensation and proper accommodation to make the policy practical.
Call for Comprehensive Measures
Former state IMA president Dr. Rajiv Ranjan Prasad also welcomed the announcement. He insisted it must include proper compensatory measures like a non-practice allowance. Prasad cited historical examples, including during Chief Minister Bindeshwari Dubey's tenure, where similar bans were introduced but later reversed.
Dr. Prasad recommended the government simultaneously work on creating a parallel system. Supporting the establishment of private nursing homes could strengthen the state's overall health infrastructure and reduce pressure on public hospitals.
The policy development marks a significant step toward addressing rural healthcare gaps in Bihar. Its success will depend on careful implementation, fair compensation for doctors, and sustained political will.
