The Tripura government has made a decision to prohibit medical officers and faculty members associated with the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital from engaging in private practice. This move, announced by a senior Minister, aims to enhance healthcare services and accountability at the premier medical institution in the state.
The state Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Manik Saha, approved the proposal to stop private practice by faculty members and medical officers linked to AGMC and GBP Hospital. Additionally, a 20% increase in basic salary in the form of a non-practising allowance for these staff members was also sanctioned by the Cabinet.
Government spokesperson Sushanta Chowdhury stated that the decision was taken after consultations with doctors’ organizations and stakeholders to address complaints about patient services despite infrastructural improvements and modern medical equipment at the hospital. The ban on private practice will initially apply to faculty members and medical officers at AGMC and GBP Hospital, with a potential extension to other government hospitals in the state after evaluation.
Senior Congress leader Sudip Roy Barman criticized the decision, expressing concerns that it might lead experienced faculty members and senior medical officers to opt for voluntary retirement to continue private practice. He urged the government to reconsider the move, emphasizing the importance of balancing healthcare service improvements with retaining skilled medical professionals for patient care and academic activities at the medical college.
