Srinagar, March 26: Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department has warned doctors to strictly follow the ban on private practice during office hours and directed heads of institutions to monitor attendance.
The H&ME Department has 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. The department has taken serious note and said that such practices are strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated.
The department in a circular directed all Principals of Medical Colleges, Medical Superintendents of Associated Hospitals, Chief Medical Officers, and Medical Superintendents of District Hospitals 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,” the circular said.
The health department has directed that all doctors must remain available at their designated hospitals and health institutions during working hours and heads of institutions must monitor attendance and ensure that patient care is not compromised.
The department also directed the hospital administrators that any complaints or reports regarding doctors engaging in private practice during duty hours should be promptly investigated, and necessary action must be taken.
They have been further directed to conduct surprise inspections regularly, and periodic reviews should be carried out to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines.
The circular said that these directives must be strictly enforced in the interest of strengthening public healthcare services and maintaining the highest standards of professional ethics.
