Chhattisgarh Bans Private Practice for Government Doctors, 30 Doctors Resign
private practice
Raipur: Following a government order prohibiting doctors from working in private hospitals, almost 30 doctors from Chhattisgarh's public medical institutions have resigned. According to sources, many doctors working at Raipur's state-run DKS Hospital are about to resign.
In a letter sent to the state on Friday, the Indian Medical Association (IMA) recommended that the government should carefully screen policies for the government doctors. Discontent among medical professionals escalated when the government mandated that all private hospitals provide affidavits stating that they did not employ any government doctors, either on call or as visiting faculty. Even though doctors can continue their practice at home, they can't run a private clinic nor go to private hospitals.
When combined with the state's severe staffing shortages, the mass resignations will have a devastating effect on Chhattisgarh's healthcare system. The state is 33 per cent short in doctors, according to a CAG assessment covering the years 2016–2022. In order to be free to practice outside of regular business hours, doctors have asked the government to give them a choice to forego their NPA (non-practice allowance) once a year.
Some of the doctors pointed out that if a doctor requires a Non-Practicing-Allowance (NPA) in the middle of their career or at any point in the future, they won't be able to choose or renounce it as they sign an NPA while entering the government service. The Medical Teachers Association has petitioned the government to change long-standing regulations so that medical school graduates can work at private hospitals outside of regular duty hours. “What would a surgeon or a doctor with specialization do after working hours? The type of practice and variability can’t be bonded by stringent clauses. After the govt order, private hospitals have removed doctors under the looming threat that their Ayushman scheme approval is at stake,” Dr Omkar said.
A doctor told TOI that contractual doctors are especially at risk since they receive a low wage without health reimbursement accounts (HRAs), enough vacation time, or other benefits, and twenty per cent of their pay is withheld if they choose to work in other locations. Noting that the last compensation adjustment for contractual doctors was in 2018, he brought up the issue that doctors fear being fired at any moment because their contract is extended annually.
Disclaimer: This website is primarily for healthcare professionals. The content here does not replace medical advice and should not be used as medical, diagnostic, endorsement, treatment, or prescription advice. Medical science evolves rapidly, and we strive to keep our information current. If you find any discrepancies, please contact us at corrections@medicaldialogues.in. Read our Correction Policy here. Nothing here should be used as a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We do not endorse any healthcare advice that contradicts a physician's guidance. Use of this site is subject to our Terms of Use, Privacy Policy, and Advertisement Policy. For more details, read our Full Disclaimer here.
NOTE: Join us in combating medical misinformation. If you encounter a questionable health, medical, or medical education claim, email us at factcheck@medicaldialogues.in for evaluation.