Doctors Say Blanket Ban Won’t Improve Healthcare Without Addressing Infrastructure and Staff Shortages
The decision of the Tripura Government to prohibit private practice by faculty members and medical officers at Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and GB Pant Hospital has triggered strong opposition from superspecialist doctors. A forum representing 14 superspecialists has written to the hospital administration, describing the decision as “unilateral” and stating that it was introduced without proper consultation with stakeholders directly involved in patient care.
The doctors argued that merely banning private practice would not improve healthcare delivery unless critical issues such as manpower shortages, inadequate infrastructure, limited ICU and operation theatre facilities, shortage of support staff, and lack of promotions and incentives are addressed.
Doctors Question Sudden Policy Change
In a letter addressed to AGMC & GB Pant Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Bidhan Goswami, the forum stated that many superspecialists accepted their positions when no restrictions on private practice existed. According to the doctors, they joined government service in good faith under those conditions, and changing the terms without consultation undermines their commitment to strengthening super-speciality healthcare services in the state.
The forum further maintained that the government’s decision was formulated without adequate discussions with medical professionals who are directly responsible for patient care.
Forum Suggests ‘Opt-In’ Model Instead of Blanket Ban
Opposing the government’s approach, the doctors recommended adopting an “opt-in rather than opt-out” policy. They said such a model would provide doctors with a fair and dignified choice before implementing any restriction on private practice.
The forum also criticised public remarks suggesting that doctors opposing the policy should resign, calling such statements demeaning and disrespectful to the medical profession.
Chief Minister Defends Government Decision
The controversy comes after Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha defended the government’s decision to prohibit private practice by faculty members and medical officers at the state’s premier government medical institution. The move has already been approved by the state cabinet as part of efforts to strengthen public healthcare services.
Opposition Warns of Impact on Healthcare Services
Leader of Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury cautioned that the government’s decision could adversely affect healthcare delivery if senior doctors choose to resign. He stated that attracting specialist doctors from outside the state would be difficult, urging the government to adopt the best possible approach to improve healthcare services without discouraging medical professionals.
Former Health Minister Calls Decision ‘Unrealistic’
Former Tripura Health Minister and senior Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman criticised the government’s decision, describing it as unrealistic and rushed. He argued that professionals cannot be compelled to remain engaged with official duties beyond their regular working hours and warned that implementing the policy could create difficulties for patients across the state.
Roy Barman urged the government to reconsider the proposal and engage with doctors before enforcing the ban.
