Patna: The medical fraternity in Bihar has urged the state government to make any restriction on private practice optional rather than mandatory, calling for clear and practical guidelines to ensure smooth implementation. They stressed that doctors and medical teachers entering government service should not be forced to give up private practice and must retain the freedom to choose the non-practicing allowance (NPA) as per their preference.The demand was raised during a joint meeting of the Indian Medical Association (IMA), Bihar state branch, and the Bihar Health Services Association (BHSA) on Sunday at IMA Bhawan in Patna.The meeting discussed the govt’s resolution issued on April 11, 2026, which prohibits private practice by allopathic doctors and medical teachers under the Bihar Health Services, Bihar Medical Education Services and Indira Gandhi Institute of Cardiology Medical Services cadres.The move is part of CM Nitish Kumar’s “Saat Nischay-3” program under the “accessible health, secure life” component, aimed at ensuring doctors devote full time to public hospitals, especially in rural areas. In return, eligible doctors will receive NPA with detailed guidelines expected soon. The proposal was first announced during Kumar’s Samriddhi Yatra in Jan 2026, after which a six-member expert committee was formed.Doctors, however, warned that enforcing a strict ban without improving infrastructure and working conditions in government hospitals could adversely affect healthcare services and demoralize the medical community. They called for a balanced approach that safeguards both public interest and doctors’ professional rights.Senior members from both associations attended the meeting, including former IMA national president Dr Sahajanand Prasad Singh, state secretary Dr Dinesh Kumar and other office-bearers.IMA senior vice president Dr Sunil Kumar said the associations had submitted a memorandum to the government on Jan 31, proposing a balanced solution. “But our recommendation was not considered at all. We will not sit quiet. We will approach the court and fight a legal battle,” he said.The BHSA warned that if proper consultations are not held, it would launch a statewide agitation, holding the government responsible for the consequences.The association further stated that if implemented, the policy should be optional and applicable only to new recruits, not existing doctors. It also called for improved salaries, allowances, working conditions and better infrastructure in health institutions to ensure effective service delivery.
