Uttar Pradesh High Court Orders Inquiry into Doctors' Private Practice in State Medical Colleges

The Allahabad High Court has instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to investigate whether doctors in state-run medical colleges are practising privately in nursing homes. This directive was issued on January 2, with a specific focus on Dr. Arvind Gupta, a Head of Department (HoD) at Moti Lal Nehru Medical College, Prayagraj. The court seeks clarity on whether he is permitted to work in private nursing homes.

Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal is handling the case, which involves a complaint by Rupesh Chandra Srivastava. Srivastava alleged that Dr. Gupta provided incorrect treatment to him and his wife at Phoenix Hospital, a private facility in Prayagraj. The complaint was initially lodged with the district consumer forum but later moved to the state consumer forum.

Private Practice Concerns

The court expressed concern over a state medical college professor's involvement in a private hospital. It questioned whether Dr. Gupta, as an HoD and professor at a government institution, can legally treat patients in a private setting. This issue is central to the inquiry ordered by the court.

The petitioner's counsel argued that no decision was made by the district consumer forum and that the matter's value of Rs1,890 does not warrant state consumer forum attention. Despite this, the court emphasised the seriousness of the situation due to Dr. Gupta's dual roles.

Upcoming Proceedings

The court has scheduled the next hearing for January 8. During this session, the petitioner's counsel must explain how Dr. Gupta treated the complainant at the private nursing home. The inquiry aims to determine if similar practices occur among other doctors in state-run colleges.

The Principal Secretary of Medical Education and Health has been tasked with reporting back on Dr. Gupta's eligibility for private practice. This investigation will help clarify policies regarding state-employed doctors engaging in private work.

This case highlights broader concerns about potential conflicts of interest when government-employed doctors engage in private practice. The outcome may influence future regulations and enforcement regarding such practices within Uttar Pradesh's medical community.