Committee to ensure strict implementation of rules for doctors

Srinagar, Feb 27 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir Governmenthas constituted a committee to ensure strict implementation ofthe ban on private practice by government doctors in theValley.

"Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Asgar Samoon hasconstituted a committee headed by Additional Commissioner,Kashmir A M Wani to monitor the functioning of doctors," anofficial spokesman said here today.

He said the committee will have representatives fromSher-i-Kashmir-Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura,Director Health Services Kashmir, Government Medical College(GMC) Srinagar and Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar.

The functioning of the committee will be monitored byDivisional Commissioner, through Director SKIMS, Principal GMCSrinagar and Director Health Services Kashmir, the spokesmansaid.

The state government has launched a drive againstdoctors employed in Government hospitals who are either bannedfrom private practice or work at private hospitals duringtheir duty hours.

Action was initiated against four such doctors whowere found violating the service rules.

Under the rules, the doctors of SKIMS hospital, anautonomous institution, cannot indulge in private practice asthere is a blanket ban imposed by government on them.

Private practice is a cognizable offence under theSKIMS Act.

Similarly, Principal GMC, Medical Superintendent,Deputy Medical Superintendent, Registrars, demonstrators orthose undergoing post graduation and other doctors who areavailing non-practising allowance are barred from privatepractice.

However, teaching faculty of Medical Education areallowed to do private practice beyond duty hours, but not onthe days when they are on emergency duty.

Doctors holding administrative posts like MedicalSuperintendent and Deputy Medical Superintendent are alsobarred from private practice.

The government also issued instructions to privatehospitals and nursing homes not to entertain any governmentdoctor for consultation during duty hours.