Ban on private practice of HODs

Sir,
This is in reference to the news “Govt warns action against HODs doing private practice” published in DE dated June 14, 2016.Article 36 to 51 of the constitution of India embodies the Directive Principles of State policy and for these we are indebted to the constitution of Ireland. The objective behind is to establish a social and economic democracy in India. Article 41 of the Constitution says that the state will work within the limits of its economic viability and progress, provide to the citizens the right to work, the right to education and general assistance in the event of unemployment, old age, disease and other disabilities. It would be seen from the above that the State Government has to provide assistance to the citizens suffering from any disease and other disability. To achieve this object each state government and central Govt has established Govt hospitals. To feed these Govt Hospitals Government Medical colleges/ Dental colleges have also been established so that a good number of professionals are made available in the hospitals to serve the people.
It is a matter of grave concern that as per the Government order no 43-HME of 2013 dated 17/01/2013 it is incumbent and binding upon the HODs of GMCs and GDCs and Associated Hospitals of the state not to indulge in private practice. The intention of the Govt for imposing ban on private practice was very simple that at least HODs may pay more attention and devote more time to patients while performing their duties in the hospitals. But despite imposition of ban on private practice in the state since 2013, it was not implemented.  The question regarding the private practice of HODs was raised in the state Assembly by some members recently.  It is also learnt that the Govt is considering imposing ban on private practice of teaching staff in the Medical colleges and Dental colleges of the state like Professors, Associate Professors and Assistant Professors to streamline the functioning of these institutions.
It is hoped that if the ban on private practice of HODs is implemented in letter and spirit and raids on their clinics and other places as decided by the Health minister are made these professionals will devote more time with fresh mind while performing their official duties for which they are  paid. The Govt should also create a congenial atmosphere in the hospitals and provide required infrastructure to HODs to enable them to devote their 100 percent for the noble cause of curing the patients.
Yours etc…..
S.S.Jamwal, SAO (Rtd) New Plots Jammu

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