Patna: Opposition is mounting in Bihar over the state government’s proposal to ban private practice by government doctors, with leading medical bodies calling the move unilateral and demanding a review.
The Indian Medical Association (IMA), Bihar Health Services Association (BHSA), and Vishva Ayurveda Parishad have raised strong objections through separate meetings and statements. A joint meeting of the IMA Bihar chapter and BHSA was held at the IMA Building in Patna, where the proposal was discussed in detail.
Doctors at the meeting argued that instead of imposing a blanket ban, private practice should be kept optional. They said that government doctors and medical teachers should not be compelled to give up private practice and must be given the freedom to choose.
The meeting was attended by former national president Dr Sahajanand Prasad Singh, vice president Dr Sunil Kumar, honorary state secretary Dr Dinesh Kumar, BHSA president Dr Rohit Kumar, general secretary Dr Hasrat Abbas, and joint secretary Dr Devesh Kumar.
Meanwhile, Vishva Ayurveda Parishad national vice president Dr Shivditya Thakur also objected to the proposal. He stated that it would be inappropriate to exclude Ayurveda and AYUSH practitioners while framing such a policy and urged the government to include them by revising the proposal.
The BHSA, during its core committee meeting along with IMA members, strongly criticised the government’s decision and expressed concern over its impact on healthcare workers’ livelihoods. The association put forward a five-point demand, calling for wider consultation with all stakeholders before implementing the policy.
Among the key demands, BHSA said that if the policy is to be implemented, it should remain optional rather than mandatory. It also urged that the rule should not be imposed on currently serving doctors and should instead apply only to new recruits. Additionally, the association called for improvements in salaries, allowances, and working conditions, along with strengthening the infrastructure of healthcare institutions.
The association warned of a statewide agitation if its demands are not considered. It reiterated that the government should immediately review the proposal and hold detailed discussions with all stakeholders, particularly BHSA, before taking a final decision.
