Govt rules out blanket ban on private practice by in-service doctors

Srinagar, Mar 27: The government on Friday said that it was not considering any blanket ban on private practice by doctors serving in public hospital. It cited concern for ‘unintended consequences’ on healthcare delivery and existing staff shortages as the reason to continue allowing private practice.

In a reply to an unstarred question tabled by MLA Abdul Majeed Bhat, the government said that a complete prohibition on private practice may not be feasible in view of the “high patient footfall, shortage of specialists and infrastructural constraints in government hospitals”.

The reply said that over the years, it had been seen that a complete ban on private practice led to public inconvenience.

The government said it had adopted a regulated mechanism that permits private practice under prescribed conditions.

“A blanket ban could push experienced doctors towards the private sector or other institutions, thereby weakening specialist services and medical education in government hospitals,” the reply said.

Further, the government said, a complete ban on private practice could negatively impact access to healthcare in rural and semi-urban areas.

“Patients often rely on after-hours consultations in the these areas,” the government said. “A total ban may increase patient load on already stretched public facilities, resulting in longer waiting times and operational challenges.”

Strengthening of regulatory oversight and ensuring strict adherence to duty hours, coupled with disciplinary action against violations has been cited “as a more practical approach”.

“No proposal for imposing a blanket prohibition is under consideration at present,” the reply said.

In the same set of questions by the legislator, the government also provided an update on the proposed 250-bedded hospital at Anantnag. “The Detailed Project Report (DPR), prepared by the Public Works (R&B) Department at an estimated cost of Rs 86.15 crore, has been submitted for financial concurrence and funding through NABARD RIDF,” the reply said.

However, the government said, the proposal has been returned with advice to explore alternative funding sources and incorporate furniture and furnishing components into the DPR.

The proposal is under review at present, the governmet has said.

In addition, an amount of Rs 5 crore has been earmarked under the Capex Budget 2025-26 for the project.

It has been proposed to be taken up under SASCI and Capex funding for 2026-27 to speed up its execution.

The hospital is expected to be completed within four to five years from the date of commencement, subject to approvals and resource availability, the government said.