Patna: The Bihar government has approved a proposal to prohibit government doctors from engaging in private practice, in what officials describe as a major step towards strengthening the state’s public healthcare system.
The decision, taken under the “Saat Nischay-3” programme, is intended to ensure more reliable and timely treatment for patients in government hospitals by requiring doctors to dedicate their full attention to public service.
Under the new rules, doctors employed by the state will no longer be permitted to operate private clinics or offer services outside their official roles. The ban will apply to those working within the allopathic system under the Bihar Health Services Cadre and the Bihar Medical Education Service Cadre, as well as doctors and teaching staff associated with the Indira Gandhi Institute of Cardiology.
This brings medical college faculty and senior doctors in major government hospitals within the scope of the policy, significantly expanding its reach.
Officials argue that private practice has long divided the priorities of government doctors, often affecting their availability in public hospitals. By eliminating this dual practice, the government expects improved attendance, greater accountability and enhanced quality of care for patients relying on state facilities.
To offset the financial impact on doctors, the government has proposed a Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) along with other possible incentives. Detailed guidelines on compensation are expected to be issued in the coming weeks.
The policy follows the recommendations of an expert committee constituted in January and chaired by Dr Rekha Jha. The panel, which included senior practitioners and representatives from medical institutions and health service bodies, concluded that banning private practice would help address systemic inefficiencies in the public healthcare sector.
While health experts say the move has the potential to significantly improve service delivery, they caution that implementation will be critical. Ensuring compliance, maintaining morale among doctors and effectively administering compensation mechanisms are likely to pose challenges.
Despite these concerns, the decision is being seen as a potentially transformative intervention that could restore public confidence in government hospitals and improve access to quality healthcare for the state’s population.
