JK Admin bars Government Doctors from private practice during work hours

Srinagar, Aug 12 (KF): The Jammu Kashmir administration on Friday issued an order asking the Doctors posted at Government hospitals to abstain from private practice during work hours.

As per the order, the Manoj- Sinha-led administration has said that the admin has observed that certain Doctors borne on the establishment of the Health and Medical Education Department are indulging in private practices during official hours as well as while they are on duty rosters in the Government Health Institutions.

“This is in violation of Civil Services Conduct Rules as well as various guidelines issued from time to time and also goes against the ethics of public service for which the doctors have been appointed by the Government,” the order read.

The order in the name of the Heath and Medical Education Department said that it has also come to notice that certain doctors are recommending medical intervention in their private clinics instead of attending the same in the Government health institutions where they are posted.

“This results in loss of public exchequer under Ayushman Bharat/SEHAT scheme and hence tantamount to an offense under the provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988. This is also to be construed as misconduct and violation of Civil Services Conduct Rules,” the order read.

Many Doctors are indulging in private practice in other cities/towns which implies that they are not available at their places of posting in case any emergency arises. The doctors who are skipping their duties and indulging in private practices in other places are also being viewed very seriously, the order further said.

The Jammu Kashmir admin, accordingly, impressed upon all HoDs and DDOS to disallow any Doctor borne on the establishment of the Health and Medical Education Department to indulge into these malpractices resulting into loss of Government exchequer and weakening of public services.

“Strict vigilance shall be kept and such cases will be recommended for strict action by the Regulatory Authorities. These instructions ate Wi shall also apply to Para-medical staff who are found indulging in same practices.Settings Monthly report in this regard will be furnished by all HoDs,” the order read. (KF)