Govt doctors banned from engaging in private practice during official working hours

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, MARCH 25 (STC):
Government doctors have been prohibited from engaging in private practice during official working hours.
The order, issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Health & Medical Education Department under Circular No. 03-JK (HME) of 2025, warns that any violation will be treated as serious misconduct and will attract disciplinary action.
According to the circular instances of doctors engaging in private consultations during duty hours have been observed, affecting patient care and disrupting hospital operations.
To curb this malpractice, the department has directed Principles of Medical Colleges, Medical Superintendents of Associated Hospitals, Chief Medical Officers, and Medical Superintendents of District Hospitals to enforce strict compliance.
Key directives include ensuring all doctors remain available at their designated hospitals, conducting surprise inspections, and investigating complaints of private practice during duty hours. (STC)