Question : Private Practice

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government has taken note that doctors working in the Government hospitals also engage in private practice in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has received a number of complaints with regard to Government hospitals/doctors advicing the patients to undergo tests from private diagnostic laboratories and charging commission from the laboratory management in the name of tests, if so, the details thereof indicating doctors/hospitals identified engaged in such practices along with action taken thereon; and

(d) the concrete measures taken/ proposed to be taken by the Government to check such practices in the country?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI FAGGAN SINGH KULASTE)
(a) to (d): Health being a State subject, it is the responsibility of the States to allow or restrict private practice by Government Doctors appointed by them, as per their requirements.

As far as doctors of Central Health Scheme (CHS) posted in various Medical Colleges/ hospitals/ dispensaries under the Government, are concerned, as per Rule-13 of CHS Rules, 2014, they are not allowed private practice of any kind whatsoever including any consultation and laboratory practice. They are entitled to Non-Practicing Allowance at the rates specified in Schedule-I of the Rules. As and when complaints are received against such doctors for engagement in private practice, disciplinary action is initiated under the Central Civil Service Conduct Rules.

However, as far as three Central Government Hospitals in Delhi, namely, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Sarfdarjang Hospital and Lady Hardinge Medical College and Associated Hospitals are concerned, they have informed that no such complaint has been received.
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