SRINAGAR: Health Minister Sakina Itoo on Friday clarified that there is no formal proposal to impose a blanket ban on the private practice of doctors across Jammu and Kashmir.
Responding to a question by MLA Pulwama, Waheed Ur Rehman Para, the minister said that while no comprehensive ban is in place, doctors are strictly prohibited from engaging in private practice during official duty hours or while on emergency duty.
“This policy ensures that healthcare professionals remain fully committed to their public healthcare duties without distractions or conflicts of interest,” she stated.
She further emphasized that any complaint regarding doctors engaging in private practice during duty hours is dealt with strictly. If allegations are proven, the doctor’s private practice is banned across J&K as a deterrent to uphold medical ethics and public trust.
The minister also highlighted the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, which follows a non-practicing model similar to AIIMS New Delhi.
“Since its inception, SKIMS has strictly prohibited its medical and paramedical staff from private practice, as clearly stipulated in their employment contracts,” she said.
She added that SKIMS regularly updates and publishes details of its staff, explicitly stating their non-practicing status.
“Any violation of this policy is treated as serious misconduct and can lead to disciplinary action, stringent penalties, and even criminal prosecution under applicable laws,” the minister warned.
She reiterated that these measures reinforce SKIMS’ commitment to maintaining high standards of medical care and professionalism. (KNO)
