The Prayagraj district administration has taken a stringent stance against allegations of private practice by government doctors, warning of severe actions including the registration of First Information Reports (FIRs) against violators. The decision was finalized during a high-level meeting chaired by District Magistrate Manish Kumar Verma on Friday.
Strict Legal Action for Violators
District Magistrate Verma made it unequivocally clear that any government doctor found engaging in private practice while in service would face strict legal consequences, as such activities violate service rules. He emphasized that government service and private practice cannot coexist, and any doctor wishing to pursue private practice must first resign from government service.
Warning to Private Hospitals
The administration also issued a stern warning to private hospitals and nursing homes. Officials stated that if any government doctor is found practicing in a private medical establishment, the registration of that hospital or nursing home could be cancelled. This measure aims to deter private facilities from enabling such unauthorized practices.
Preparation of Lists and Surprise Inspections
The District Magistrate has directed the Chief Medical Officer, the Principal of Motilal Nehru Medical College, and the Chief Medical Superintendents of government hospitals to prepare and submit lists of doctors allegedly involved in private practice. Surprise inspection drives are expected to commence soon to monitor compliance. Additional District Magistrates and Additional City Magistrates have been instructed to conduct surprise checks, while the Local Intelligence Unit (LIU) has been tasked with gathering information on such cases.
Meeting at Medical College
Following the district-level meeting, Professor V K Pandey, Principal of Motilal Nehru Medical College, held a separate meeting with department heads and delivered a strong message to faculty members. He reportedly told doctors to either completely withdraw from private practice or resign from government service and dedicate themselves fully to their duties at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital.
Affidavits and Written Clarifications
Professor Pandey asked doctors who had earlier submitted affidavits promising not to engage in private practice to provide written clarification confirming that they had completely withdrawn from such activities. He emphasized that healthcare services at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital are highly challenging and require the presence of experienced senior doctors. He also warned that if any doctor is caught during surprise inspections by the district administration, they would be personally responsible for the consequences.
Public Reporting Mechanism
Chief Development Officer Harshika Singh announced that locals can report complaints regarding private practice by government doctors on the official CUG number 9454464532. This initiative aims to involve the public in monitoring and ensuring compliance with the directives.
