Allahabad High Court Directs Government to Implement Policy Against Private Practice by Doctors

The Allahabad High Court has raised concerns about government doctors neglecting patients in state-run hospitals and medical colleges. The court urged the state to implement a policy to curb doctors' private practices. Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal noted that doctors are directing patients to private facilities for financial gain, which has become a significant issue.

A petition by the Head of Department at Moti Lal Nehru Medical College in Prayagraj highlighted this problem. The judge remarked that state-appointed doctors are not attending to patients in government facilities, instead referring them to private institutions for monetary reasons. This situation prompted the court's intervention.

Private Practice Restrictions

The case stems from a complaint by Rupesh Chandra Srivastava regarding improper treatment by Dr. Arvind Gupta at a private nursing home in Prayagraj. On January 2, the court expressed concern over a state medical college professor's involvement with a private hospital. Following this, the state's counsel reported that a letter was sent by the Principal Secretary, Medical Health and Education.

This letter, issued on Monday, reminded all districts with state medical colleges to enforce rules established on August 30, 1983. These rules prohibit government doctors from engaging in private practice. Instead, they receive non-practising pay or allowances as determined by the government.

Enforcement and Future Steps

The High Court has mandated that the Principal Secretary, Medical Health and Education submit a personal affidavit within two weeks regarding the enforcement of the 1983 order. Additionally, the court instructed the government to devise a policy preventing private practice among doctors in provincial medical services and district hospitals.

The next hearing is scheduled for February 10. The court's directives aim to ensure that government doctors focus on their duties within public healthcare institutions, addressing concerns about patient care and ethical practices in the medical profession.