The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department has issued a strict ban on government doctors engaging in private practice during official working hours. This decision comes after reports surfaced that some doctors were prioritizing private practice over their duties, compromising patient care and hospital services.
Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary to the Government, has warned that any violation will be treated as serious misconduct, leading to disciplinary action. To ensure compliance, the government has instructed medical colleges, hospitals, and district heads to keep a close eye on doctors’ attendance and working hours, investigate complaints regarding private practice during duty hours, and conduct surprise inspections to ensure doctors are available at their designated hospitals.
The government will also regularly review the situation to prevent any misconduct. This move aims to restore the integrity of government hospitals and ensure that doctors prioritize their duties, providing quality care to patients.