Prayagraj: State officials directed to investigate allegations of unauthorized private practice
The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to investigate whether doctors employed at state-run medical colleges are engaging in private practice at nursing homes. The directive follows allegations of malpractice against Dr. Arvind Gupta, Head of Department (HoD) and Professor at Moti Lal Nehru Medical College, Prayagraj.
Case details
A petition was filed by Dr. Gupta, challenging a complaint lodged by Rupesh Chandra Srivastava before the consumer forum. Srivastava alleged that he and his wife received incorrect treatment from Dr. Gupta at Phoenix Hospital, a private nursing home in Prayagraj. The court noted the seriousness of the case, emphasizing the questionable involvement of a state medical college professor in a private practice.
Key court observations
Justice Rohit Ranjan Agarwal highlighted the need to address whether Dr. Gupta, holding a government-appointed HoD position, was permitted to provide treatment at a private facility. The court also questioned the broader issue of private practices by state-run medical college doctors.
Government inquiry ordered
The Uttar Pradesh government has been tasked with conducting an inquiry into the activities of government doctors potentially engaging in private practices, specifically investigating Dr. Gupta’s involvement.
Legal arguments and next steps
Dr. Gupta’s counsel argued that the matter, involving a monetary claim of ₹1,890, was not under the jurisdiction of the state consumer forum. However, the court dismissed the monetary value as irrelevant to the ethical and legal questions surrounding private practice by government-employed doctors.
The court has ordered the Principal Secretary of Medical Education and Health to provide clarity on whether Dr. Gupta, as a government employee, is entitled to practice in private nursing homes.
Next hearing scheduled
The case will be heard further on January 8, with the petitioner’s counsel expected to explain how Dr. Gupta was involved in the alleged treatment at the private nursing home.
This directive underscores the court’s commitment to ensuring ethical practices among government medical professionals and addressing concerns over dual roles compromising public healthcare.
