Govt doctors told not to practice in private clinics during official hours: CMO Shopian

Shopian: Through a recent circular, the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) of District Shopian has imposed strict regulations on the practice hours of government doctors and mandated the registration of all clinical establishments.

According to the circular issued on March 15, 2025, no government-employed doctors are permitted to practice at any private clinic between 10:00 AM and 4:30 PM, except on Sundays.

It also mentioned that all unregistered clinical establishments in the district have to complete their registration within 10 days. If any clinic fails to comply with this directive, the CMO warned of sealing those clinics.

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"It is hereby impressed upon all clinical establishments in District Shopian that no Govt. in-Service doctor shall practice at any private clinic between the hours of 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM, except on Sundays. Furthermore, all clinical establishments that have not registered yet are directed to complete their registration within 10 days from the date of issuance of this circular. Failure to do so will result in the permanent sealing of the clinic," reads the circular.

The CMO has urged all clinical establishments to adhere to the instructions to avoid any inconvenience.

Medical Dialogues had reported that two city-based doctors have been found guilty of engaging in private practice while being employed at government healthcare centres. As a result, they have been transferred to remote locations and banned from private practice for five years. The doctors include Dr Pawan Kumar, Consultant Anaesthesia at Community Health Centre (CHC) Ramgarh and Dr Mohan Lal Attri, Consultant Surgeon at Community Health Centre (CHC) RS Pura.

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