The Bihar government, led by Nitish Kumar, has announced a significant policy shift by imposing a complete ban on private practice by doctors employed in government hospitals. The decision is aimed at strengthening the state’s public healthcare system by ensuring that government doctors devote their full time and attention to their official responsibilities.
According to a notification issued by the state Health Department, doctors working in government hospitals will no longer be permitted to engage in private medical practice alongside their public duties. The move is part of the government’s broader healthcare reform agenda under the ‘Saat Nischay-3’ programme for the 2025–30 period, specifically aligned with the objective of “accessible health, secure life.”
Officials stated that the primary goal of the policy is to improve the efficiency, accountability, and availability of medical services in government institutions. By eliminating dual practice, the government aims to ensure that patients relying on public healthcare receive timely and dedicated attention from doctors.
To address concerns related to income loss among doctors, the government has proposed the introduction of a non-practising allowance (NPA). Detailed guidelines regarding the structure, eligibility, and implementation of this compensation mechanism are expected to be released after approval from the competent authority. The provision will apply to all government doctors as well as faculty members in state-run medical institutions.
The decision follows earlier indications by the Chief Minister, who had spoken about introducing such reforms during his ‘Samriddhi Yatra’ earlier this year. The government has also confirmed that comprehensive operational guidelines for enforcing the ban will be issued soon, outlining compliance mechanisms and monitoring processes.
This move represents a major attempt to reform Bihar’s healthcare delivery system by prioritising public service and reducing dependency on private medical practice among government-employed doctors.
