J&K: Three doctors banned from private practice for violating treatment guidelines

Srinagar: The Health and Medical Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir has banned three doctors from private practice across the state for violating the Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs). 

As per the order issued by Secretary of Health and Medical Education Bhupinder Kumar, Dr Junaid Khursheed of District Hospital Budgam, three doctors attached to the Sub District Hospital, SDH Sopore, and Super-Specialty Srinagar respectively, have been banned from practice for violating STGs issued by the National Health Authority (NHA).

Also Read: Punjab: Doctors of AP Jain Civil Hospital accused of indulging in private practice, probe on

The STGs list the preferred pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment for common health problems experienced by people in a specific health system. Following the guidelines is essential for maintaining quality healthcare in the state. 

"Pending inquiry into the allegations, regarding violation of STGs issued by the NHA, these doctors are banned from doing any private practice across J&K with immediate effect," the order reads. 

As per a recent media report by Greater Kashmir, many doctors have been found to be flouting norms. "Some doctors are prescribing unnecessary medicines. They are violating the guidelines. We have received complaints against those doctors and action will be taken against them," sources said.

The doctors were adding five to six unnecessary medications on prescriptions. They were breaking the rules to further their personal interests, reports the daily.

"The Health and Medical Education Department is preparing a list of doctors who are violating STGs. Stern action will be taken against them soon," they said. The STGs, treatment protocols, and prescribing policies are defined as methodically created guidelines intended to support doctors in choosing the best course of action for certain clinical issues.

These guidelines provide a consensus opinion of expert medical professionals regarding the optimal treatment options within a health facility or system. Following the guidelines are mandatory as it ensures availability of therapeutically-effective and economically-efficient use of medicines.

Also Read: High Court Interim Stay on Govt move to ban private practice in Maharashtra