Health minister Sakina Itoo on Friday said that there is no formal proposal to impose a blanket ban on private practice of doctors across Jammu and Kashmir.
Replying to a question of MLA Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Para, the minister informed the Assembly that there is no formal proposal or initiative in place to impose a blanket ban on the private practice of doctors across J&K.
"However, it is crucial to emphasise that doctors are strictly prohibited from engaging in private practice during their official duty hours or while serving in emergency duty roles. This policy ensures that healthcare professionals remain fully committed to their obligations within the public healthcare system and prioritize their duties towards the patients they serve, without any distractions or conflicts of interest." She said.
She said in case, any complaint regarding private practice by doctors during duty hours is received, the department takes immediate and decisive action.
"Orders are promptly issued for enquiring the matter and if the allegations are substantiated, the private practice of the concerned doctor is banned throughout the Union Territory. This serves as a deterrent and highlights the commitment of the administration to uphold the integrity and focus of the doctors serving in the public sector and compromise with the quality of care or undermining the public trust is not tolerated." the minister said.
She said the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura operates under a unique model, similar to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi.
"From its inception, SKIMS has functioned as a non-practicing institution, meaning that its medical and paramedical staff are strictly prohibited from engaging in private practice. This policy is clearly stipulated in the employment contracts of all staff members," she said.
The minister added that in line with this policy, SKIMS regularly updates and publishes the details of its medical and paramedical personnel, explicitly stating that they are non-practicing.
"Any staff member found engaging in private practice would be in violation of the institution's rules. Such violations are considered serious misconduct and are subject to stringent penalties, including major disciplinary actions. Moreover, individuals found guilty of breaching this policy may also. face criminal prosecution under the applicable laws," she said.