Doctors in Tripura Oppose Ban on Private Practice Amid Healthcare Concerns
Opposition to Government's Ban on Private Practice
File image of AGMC in Tripura (Photo: AGMC/Meta)
Agartala, Jun 26: A collective of medical professionals has expressed strong disapproval towards the state government's recent decision to prohibit private practice among faculty and medical officers at a prominent hospital in Agartala.
The Superspeciality Doctors' Forum articulated their concerns in a letter addressed to Dr. Bidhan Goswami, the medical superintendent of Agartala Government Medical College & GB Pant Hospital. They argue that this ban, as reported by a government spokesperson, was enacted without sufficient dialogue with those directly involved in patient care.
The forum emphasized that simply banning private practice will not enhance healthcare quality unless critical issues like staffing shortages and inadequate infrastructure are resolved.
This development follows Chief Minister Manik Saha's defense of the ban, which aims to restrict private practice at the state's leading healthcare institution.
Members of the forum noted that many joined the medical service under the understanding that private practice was permitted. They expressed that altering these terms without prior consultation undermines their commitment to the service and the ongoing development of super-specialty services at AGMC.
They further stated, "Prohibiting private practice will not lead to better healthcare unless fundamental issues are tackled, including staffing shortages, infrastructure limitations, and lack of promotions and incentives."
The forum criticized the government's stance, stating that demanding resignations from dissenting doctors is disrespectful to the medical profession.
They proposed an alternative approach, suggesting an 'opt-in' system rather than a blanket ban, allowing doctors to make a dignified choice regarding their practice.
In response to the government's decision, Jitendra Chaudhury, the Leader of Opposition in the state assembly, urged the government to find the most effective methods to enhance healthcare services at the medical college and hospital.
He warned that the healthcare system could deteriorate if senior doctors leave due to the government's stringent measures, noting that attracting specialist doctors from outside the state would become increasingly difficult.
Former health minister and senior Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman criticized the government for what he termed an "unrealistic" decision affecting medical professionals.
Barman cautioned against hasty decisions, stating that if the cabinet's proposal is enforced, it could negatively impact patients statewide. He suggested that the government reconsider its approach.
The controversy arises from a recent cabinet decision aimed at enhancing public healthcare services by banning private practice for faculty and medical officers at AGMC and GB Pant Hospital. The government has also proposed a 20 percent special allowance for those affected by this decision.