Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 19: The ruling PDP member Surinder Choudhary today lodged his strong protest with the Chairman, Legislative Council, Haji Anayat Ali and staged walk out of the House, when the Legislator was not allowed to press for his point by the ‘Chair’.
The issue with regard to the private practice of doctors serving in Government hospitals was raised by Surinder Choudhary in the Upper House during Question Hour today. Minister for Health and Medical Education, Bali Bhagat was responding.
The Minister claimed that Government has issued circulars from time to time regarding ban on private practice of doctors ( non-clinical), Principals, Medical Superintendents, Dy Med Superintendants, CMOs, HoDs etc vide Govt order No. 43 HME of 2013 dated 17-1-2013, followed by another circular of 13-6-2016. The ban is being enforced strictly, he added.
The member sought the list of such doctors doing private practice and action taken against them. The Minister failed to provide the same but maintained that one case of HoD Radiotherapy, GMC Jammu Dr Ashutosh Gupta came to their notice and same doctor was placed under suspension.
The PDP member pressed that in Rajouri and in Jammu besides other places many Government doctors are indulging in private practice. They are not seen in hospitals but are easily available in their private clinics. What action will be taken against them. The Government must clear whether private practice is banned or not. Can we presume that only one HoD was involved in private practice in State and others are not doing so. The Government must provide list and clear its stand.
The member pressed for the reply but the Chairman snubbed him and not allowed to press for his point and went ahead with another question. The PDP members lodged strong protest and staged walk out of the House alleging that Chairman was shielding the Minister. He said what for they were there in the House of they are not allowed to raise the public issues.
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