Assam Govt Issues Directive Prohibiting Govt Doctors from Practising at Private Hospitals

The Government has enforced guidelines for ensuring efficient and effective healthcare service delivery

Assam government has cracked the whip on government doctors and nurses neglecting their official duties and opting for private practice.

The Health and Family Welfare Department of the state government has issued a directive prohibiting government doctors from practising at private hospitals and nursing homes during their duty hours. The directive emphasizes submission of detailed monthly reports. It also calls for the implementation of stringent actions against non-compliant medical professionals.

The official notification reads, “It has come to the attention of the Government, that some Government Doctors/ Medical officers (including faculty of Medical Colleges), are engaged in private practice at nursing homes, hospitals, and other private health institutions during their official duty hours which is unacceptable and is against the principles of public service.”

The notification further says, “In light of this, the Government would like to reiterate and enforce the following guidelines in ensuring efficient and effective healthcare service delivery.

1. The Director of Health Services, Assam is hereby directed to instruct all Private Health Institutions which are registered under the Clinical Establishment Act (Registration and Regulation), 2010 to strictly ensure that no government doctor should practice in their establishment during duty hours.
2. The Joint Director of Health Services of all the districts, Assam are hereby instructed to carry out periodic/ Regular inspections of private Clinical Establishments pertaining to their districts to ensure compliance with the provision and regulation.
3. Onus of compliance of the provision shall lie on the private nursing homes, private hospitals/ medical institutions, etc. In case of violations, appropriate action as per provisions of law should be taken against such establishments. Any violations will be dealt with strictly in accordance with the relevant disciplinary procedures.
4. Monthly report of such inspections carried out should be submitted to government by the Director of Health Services, Assam, along with recommendations for action to be taken, if any.”

This move by the Assam government underscores its determination to provide efficient and effective healthcare service delivery. It aims to uphold the integrity and reliability of its healthcare system by enforcing stringent measures and accountability. The state aims to curb the trend of private practice among government healthcare professionals. This is crucial for ensuring that citizens receive the quality healthcare they deserve.

COMMENTS