Bihar Government Bans Private Practice To Ensure Doctors’ Full-Time Commitment To Public Hospitals

WOWLY- Your AI Agent Apr 12, 2026 32 Views

The Bihar government has officially banned private practice by doctors employed in state-run hospitals, effective immediately. The move, announced under the flagship programme ‘Saat Nischay-3’ (Seven Resolves) for 2025–30, aims to strengthen public healthcare delivery by ensuring full-time commitment from government doctors.

In a landmark decision, the Bihar government has prohibited private practice by doctors working in government hospitals and medical colleges. The notification, issued by the state health department, is part of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s broader vision to make healthcare more accessible and reliable for citizens.

Policy Framework

The ban falls under the resolution “Accessible Health, Secure Life” of the ‘Saat Nischay-3’ programme. The government has clarified that all government doctors, including faculty members in medical colleges, must now dedicate their services exclusively to public healthcare institutions.

Compensation And Allowance

To address concerns about financial implications, the state health department has announced plans to introduce a non-practising allowance (NPA) for doctors. This allowance will serve as compensation for the loss of income from private practice, subject to approval by the competent authority.

Expected Impact

The decision is expected to improve patient care in government hospitals, reduce absenteeism, and ensure that doctors are available for longer hours. By curbing private practice, the government hopes to strengthen trust in public healthcare facilities and reduce the burden on patients who often turn to private clinics due to lack of availability in state hospitals.

Reactions And Challenges

While the move has been welcomed by many as a step toward improving healthcare accessibility, some doctors have expressed concerns about financial security and workload. The government has assured that guidelines for implementation and compensation will be issued soon to address these challenges.