Guwahati: On the instruction of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma the Medical Education and Research Department of Assam has issued a directive prohibiting government doctors, including medical college faculty, from practicing in private medical facilities during their assigned duty hours.
The Joint Director of Health Services, Assam, has been directed to conduct periodic inspections of private clinical establishments so as to verify that government doctors are not practicing at private facilities during their duty hours. To maintain transparency and accountability, the letter mandates that a monthly report of the inspections carried out be submitted to the government. This report should also include recommendations for any necessary actions to be taken.
On the other hand the official letter has warned the private hospitals, nursing homes, and similar establishments in ensuring adherence to these regulations to adhere to the regulation by ensuring that government doctors do not practice in their establishment during duty hours. “The onus of compliance of the provisions shall lie on the private hospitals, nursing homes etc. In case of violations, appropriate action as per provisions of law should be taken against such establishments,” the letter states.