Srinagar, Mar 25: The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department has issued a strict directive prohibiting doctors from engaging in private practice during official working hours, citing its adverse impact on patient care and hospital functioning.
A circular issued in this context by Secretary to the Government Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, instructs all Principals of Medical Colleges, Medical Superintendents, and Chief Medical Officers to ensure compliance.
The order of which a copy lies with Kashmir Despatch reads, It has been observed that some doctors are engaging in private practice during official working hours, which adversely affects patient care and disrupts the smooth functioning of government healthcare institutions.
Such practices are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.
All Principals of Medical Colleges, Medical Superintendents of Associated Hospitals, Chief Medical officers, and Medical Superintendents of District Hospitals are hereby directed to ensure that no doctor under their jurisdiction indulges in private practice during office hours.
Any violation of this directive will be treated as serious misconduct and will attract strict disciplinary action under the applicable service
rules.
Key Directives
All doctors must remain available at their designated hospitals and health institutions during working hours.
Heads of institutions must mnonitor attendance and ensure that patient care is not compromised.
Any complaints or reports regarding doctors engaging in private practice during duty hours should be promptly investigated, and necessary action must be taken.
Surprise inspections and periodic reviews should be conducted to ensure compliance.
This directive must be strictly enforced in the interest of strengthening public healthcare services and maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics the order further reads.
