Bihar bans private practice by govt doctors, aims to improve public healthcare

The government led by Nitish Kumar has taken a major decision to ban private practice by doctors working in government hospitals.

The Bihar government on Saturday announced a complete ban on private practice by doctors employed in government hospitals. According to the announcement, doctors employed in government hospitals will no longer be allowed to engage in private practice alongside their official duties.

The move is aimed at regulating the functioning of public healthcare services and ensuring full-time commitment from government doctors.

According to a notification issued by the state Health Department, the decision was taken under the state's flagship programme 'Saat Nischay-3' (seven resolves) for the 2025-30 period. "Under the resolution 'accessible health, secure life', the state has decided to prohibit private practice by government doctors," the notification said.

The state government has issued a formal resolution regarding this decision. Officials said that detailed guidelines outlining the implementation and enforcement of the ban will be released soon.

The department will issue separate guidelines regarding compensation through a non-practising allowance (NPA) for government doctors, subject to approval by the competent authority, it added. The provision will apply to all government doctors and faculty members in state-run hospitals.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar had earlier indicated that such a policy would soon be introduced. Addressing a gathering during his 'Samriddhi Yatra' in West Champaran district in January, Kumar had said the government would bring a new policy aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and curbing private practice by government doctors.

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