Patna, April 11 (NationPress) In the midst of the shifting political landscape in Bihar regarding leadership changes and Nitish Kumar's anticipated transition to the Rajya Sabha, the state government has implemented a significant policy that has raised alarms among numerous government doctors.

In a bold action, the Bihar Health Department has released a directive that entirely prohibits government doctors from engaging in private practice.

This decision is perceived as a robust administrative measure intended to overhaul the state's public healthcare framework.

The official decree states that physicians in government service will no longer be allowed to operate private clinics or participate in private practice while fulfilling their public responsibilities.

This action aligns with the government's Saat Nishchay-2 initiative, which seeks to enhance public services, particularly in the healthcare sector.

Officials note that the decision arises from persistent issues regarding the inadequate state of government hospitals, accusations of doctors not being present, and grievances about patients being redirected to private establishments.

By instituting a clear separation between public obligations and private practice, the government aims to guarantee better access to healthcare professionals and enhanced patient treatment in public facilities.

To mitigate the financial repercussions, the government has declared that doctors will receive a Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) as compensation for forgoing private practice.

Nevertheless, this move has provoked notable backlash within the medical community.

A number of doctors contend that this decision may undermine morale, lead to staffing shortages, and inadvertently burden the overall healthcare system.

Despite the opposition, the government's position remains steadfast—public employees receiving salaries from the state treasury will not be allowed to conduct private practices concurrently.

The Bihar Health Department has made it clear that the ban is not restricted to doctors at the district level.

It will also encompass those in the Bihar Medical Education Service cadre, including senior professors and faculty members at government medical colleges.

Importantly, the order includes specialist doctors at leading institutions, such as the Indira Gandhi Institute of Cardiology (IGIC).

Under the newly established guidelines, none of these medical professionals will be permitted to provide services at private nursing homes or clinics.

Released just days before the anticipated inauguration of the new government on April 15, this directive has swiftly become a focal point of debate within the state's healthcare administration and among the medical community.