No blanket ban on private practice of doctors across J&K: Health Minister

However, SKIMS medical and paramedical staff are strictly prohibited from engaging in private practice.

STC NEWS DESK
SRINAGAR, MARCH 07 (STC):
There is no formal proposal to impose a blanket ban on private practice of doctors across Jammu and Kashmir.
Health minister Sakina Itoo on said this today while replying to a question of MLA Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Para.
The minister said that presently, there is no formal proposal or initiative in place to impose a blanket ban on the private practice of doctors across J&K.
“However, it is crucial to emphasise that doctors are strictly prohibited from engaging in private practice during their official duty hours or while serving in emergency duty roles. This policy ensures that healthcare professionals remain fully committed to their obligations within the public healthcare system and prioritize their duties towards the patients they serve, without any distractions or conflicts of interest.” She said.
She added that in case, any complaint regarding private practice by doctors during duty hours is received, the department takes immediate and decisive action. “Orders are promptly issued for enquiring the matter and if the allegations are substantiated, the private practice of the concerned doctor is banned throughout the Union Territory. This serves as a deterrent and highlights the commitment of the administration to uphold the integrity and focus of the doctors serving in the public sector and compromise with the quality of care or undermining the public trust is not tolerated.” the minister said.
With regard to doctors working in the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura she said it is a non-practicing institution, meaning that its medical and paramedical staff are strictly prohibited from engaging in private practice.
“Any staff member found engaging in private practice would be in violation of the institutions rules. Such violations are considered serious misconduct and are subject to stringent penalties, including major disciplinary actions. Moreover, individuals found guilty of breaching this policy may also. face criminal prosecution under the applicable laws,” she said. (STC)