The Nitish Kumar-led government has made a significant decision to prohibit doctors working in government hospitals from engaging in private practice.
In an announcement made on Saturday, the Bihar government declared a complete ban on doctors employed in government hospitals participating in private practice while fulfilling their official responsibilities.
This measure is intended to streamline the operations of public healthcare services and ensure that government doctors commit their full-time efforts to their official duties.
The decision was made under the state’s ‘Saat Nischay-3’ program for the period of 2025-2030, with a specific focus on the resolution titled ‘accessible health, secure life.’
A formal notification from the state Health Department confirmed the ban on private practice by government doctors, with detailed guidelines for enforcement set to be released in the near future.
Additionally, the department will introduce specific guidelines concerning compensation in the form of a non-practising allowance (NPA) for government doctors, pending approval by the competent authority. This provision will be applicable to all government doctors and faculty members in state-run hospitals.
Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had previously hinted at the implementation of such a policy. During his ‘Samriddhi Yatra’ in West Champaran district in January, Kumar emphasized the government’s commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure and curbing private practice among government doctors.