The Hindu : National : Another move to ban private practice by government doctors in J&K

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Saturday, Oct 20, 2007
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Another move to ban private practice by government doctors in J&K

Aarti Dhar

We are now in a position to implement the ban, says Health Minister

“We have better health infrastructure”
Public-private partnership has opened avenues

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government is seriously contemplating banning government doctors from taking up private practice. But considering that a similar move made twice earlier had failed, authorities are acting with great caution.

“Private practice by government doctors is a serious challenge and we are looking into it. However, a lot of thinking will have to go into it before we decide on imposing a ban,” Health Minister Mangat Ram Sharma told reporters during an interaction at the Second All-India Editors Conference on Social Sector Issues.

He said private practice by government doctors was banned twice — once by the National Conference government and the second time when the State was under Governor’s rule. However, the ban could not be implemented both the times as inadequate public health facilities and shortage of doctors adversely affected the people.

“Now the situation has improved and we have better health infrastructure and more doctors. We are in a position to implement the ban,” he added.

Despite service rules prohibiting government doctors from referring patients to private clinics, the practice continues in the State. The clinics are often run by the doctors themselves. In any case, those who can afford prefer to go to private practitioners.

The State has already made it mandatory for doctors to serve in rural, backward and far-off areas for two years. The doctors are generally posted in the areas they come from.

The administration has also succeeded in bringing back several renowned specialists who had taken up jobs abroad.

With the State entering into public-private partnership in health care, it has opened avenues for medical practitioners.

Several super-speciality hospitals such as Fortis and Escorts are already planning to set up facilities in the State. The Centre, too, has sanctioned Rs.1,000 crore to improve the health infrastructure, with emphasis on infant and maternal care, trauma and mental health.

Mr. Sharma said doctors were being sent to various institutes and hospitals for training in curing mental illnesses.

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