The Health and Medical Education Department has issued a strict directive against doctors engaging in private practice during official working hours.
In a circular issued by the Secretary of Health and Medical Education, all Principals of Medical Colleges, Medical Superintendents of Associated Hospitals, Chief Medical Officers, and Medical Superintendents of District Hospitals have been instructed to ensure that doctors under their jurisdiction do not indulge in private practice during duty hours.
They have been directed to ensure that doctors remain available at their designated hospitals and healthcare institutions during working hours. “Institution heads must monitor attendance to ensure patient care is not compromised. Complaints or reports about doctors engaging in private practice during duty hours must be promptly investigated, and action must be taken. Surprise inspections and periodic reviews will be conducted to enforce compliance,” the circular added.
It warned that any violation will be treated as “serious misconduct” and will attract strict disciplinary action under the applicable service rules—(KNO)
