Ban of private practice by doctors, teachers: Will it stand test of time

Tahir Mushtaq


JAMMU, Nov 28: Though recently High Court of Jammu and Kashmir has banned the private practice of doctors and teachers, but again the question is can this menace be eradicated from the state.


This is not the first time when court has intervened to bring reforms in the both the crucial sectors of the society which has become a big money minting sector in Jammu and Kashmir.


The private sector has always been a profitable option for doctors and teachers serving in a government set-up, which graft the disparity in salary and working hours.


But, the ban imposed on private practice of government teachers and doctors by setting aside the part of instructions contained in Circular No. EDU-PS/C/S/11 dated August 11, 2005 by the Division Bench of State High Court comprising Chief Justice F M Ibrahim Kalifulla and Justice Virender Singh has irked both the professionals.


But big question still remain will this act of court put a curb on this menace.


Earlier steps were taken in this regard, but they had failed. Even strong measures by the government have failed to end this menace.


The state government had allowed medical teacher to practice privately after completing their duty hours at public hospitals. When they reviewed the order this year, they found that a few doctors attached to government hospitals had actually opted for private practice.


However, medical teachers claim that more than 40% government doctors indulge in private practice, but most of them prefer not to disclose details to the 
government.


"A large chunk of doctors among us do not opt for private practice officially, but enjoy the perks of working in a private set-up and also take the non-practicing allowance from the government. This is the main reason the government has issued the order," said an official requesting anonymity.


Sources said that in Jammu province there are around 70 to 80 private tuitions centres where the government teacher are taking classes of different subjects.


They also said that most of the teachers forced to the students in schools to take extra classes from them if they (student) wants to get good marks in assignments and other internals of the schools.


On the other side, the doctors serving in the government hospitals are busy in earning extra bulks by doing private practices. By giving precious gift items the private pharmaceuticals companies attracting the doctors towards private practices.


Now, the question arises will the concerned department take any concrete step on their employees who are doing private practices and taking private tuitions?