Bihar Medical Fraternity Calls for Optional Private Practice Rules
The medical community in Bihar has strongly urged the state government to implement any restrictions on private practice as an optional measure rather than a mandatory requirement. This demand emphasizes the need for clear and practical guidelines to ensure smooth policy implementation without disrupting healthcare services.
Joint Meeting Raises Concerns About Government Resolution
This critical demand emerged during a joint meeting of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Bihar state branch, and the Bihar Health Services Association (BHSA) held on Sunday at IMA Bhawan in Patna. The meeting specifically addressed the government's resolution issued on April 11, 2026, which prohibits private practice by allopathic doctors and medical teachers under several key cadres including Bihar Health Services, Bihar Medical Education Services, and Indira Gandhi Institute of Cardiology Medical Services.
Doctors argued that medical professionals entering government service should not be compelled to abandon private practice entirely. Instead, they must retain the freedom to choose whether to accept the non-practising allowance (NPA) according to their personal and professional preferences.
Context of the Government Initiative
This policy move forms part of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's "Saat Nischay-3" programme under the "accessible health, secure life" component. The primary objective is to ensure that doctors devote their full professional time to public hospitals, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access remains challenging. In return for giving up private practice, eligible doctors would receive NPA, with detailed guidelines expected to be announced soon.
The proposal was initially announced during Kumar's Samriddhi Yatra in January 2026, after which a six-member expert committee was formed to examine the implementation details.
Medical Community's Warnings and Demands
Medical representatives expressed serious concerns that enforcing a strict ban without first improving infrastructure and working conditions in government hospitals could have detrimental effects on healthcare services across the state. They warned that such a move might demoralize the medical community and ultimately harm patient care.
"We need a balanced approach that safeguards both public interest and doctors' professional rights," emphasized participants at the meeting.
The associations proposed that if implemented, the policy should be:
- Optional rather than mandatory
- Applicable only to new recruits, not existing doctors
- Accompanied by improved salaries and allowances
- Supported by better working conditions and infrastructure in health institutions
Threat of Legal Action and Agitation
Senior members from both associations attended the crucial meeting, including former IMA national president Dr. Sahajanand Prasad Singh, state secretary Dr. Dinesh Kumar, and other prominent office-bearers.
IMA senior vice president Dr. Sunil Kumar revealed that the associations had already submitted a memorandum to the government on January 31, proposing a balanced solution to address the concerns of both doctors and policymakers. "But our recommendation was not considered at all. We will not sit quiet. We will approach the court and fight a legal battle," he declared firmly.
The BHSA issued an even stronger warning, stating that if proper consultations are not conducted with medical stakeholders, the association would launch a statewide agitation, holding the government fully responsible for any negative consequences that might arise from the policy implementation.
Broader Implications for Healthcare Delivery
The medical associations stressed that effective healthcare service delivery requires more than just restricting private practice. They called for comprehensive improvements including enhanced salaries, better working conditions, modern medical equipment, and upgraded infrastructure across government health institutions throughout Bihar.
This ongoing debate highlights the complex balance between ensuring doctors' availability in public healthcare facilities and respecting medical professionals' rights to pursue private practice. The outcome will significantly impact healthcare delivery across Bihar's urban and rural landscapes.
