No More Double Dipping: Allahabad HC Bans Private Practice for UP Govt Doctors
Allahabad High Court orders a strict ban on private practice by government doctors in UP and probes a custodial death in Balrampur.
In a significant move to prioritize public healthcare, the Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has cracked down on government doctors in Uttar Pradesh who engage in private practice. The court has issued a stern directive to ensure that medical professionals employed by the state focus exclusively on their official duties, putting an end to the practice of running private clinics alongside government service.
Strict Enforcement of 1983 Rules
The order came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Ankur Mishra. A bench comprising Justices Rajan Roy and Manjeev Shukla emphasized that the prohibition of private practice is not a one-time directive but must be an ongoing process of surveillance and enforcement.
The court specifically pointed to Rule-3 of the 'Uttar Pradesh Government Doctors (Allopathic) Restriction on Private Practice Rules, 1983', stating that these regulations must be strictly upheld. To ensure this, the court has ordered the Director General of Medical Health and Family Welfare to implement all necessary measures to prevent government doctors from practicing privately.
Furthermore, the bench stressed the need for accountability, making it clear that authorities must hold violators responsible if the rules are flouted.
Custodial Death Sparks Court Inquiry
While addressing the issue of private practice, the High Court also took a serious view of a tragic incident at the Community Health Center (CHC) in Tulsipur, Balrampur. The court has ordered a formal investigation into the death of a patient who passed away while in police custody at the facility.
The circumstances surrounding the death have raised concerns, prompting the court to demand a detailed inquiry report from the Director General of Medical Health to ascertain the facts and determine if there was any negligence involved.
What Happens Next?
The Allahabad High Court has linked these two critical healthcare issues—the systemic problem of private practice and the specific case of custodial death—for further review. The next hearing for both matters is scheduled for December 21, where the court will likely evaluate the progress made by health authorities in enforcing the ban and review the findings of the Tulsipur CHC inquiry.