A forum of superspecialist doctors has opposed the Tripura government’s decision to prohibit private practice by faculty members and medical officers at the state-run Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and GB Pant Hospital, arguing that the policy was introduced without adequate consultation and is unlikely to improve healthcare unless long-standing systemic issues are addressed.
In a letter addressed to AGMC and GB Pant Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr. Bidhan Goswami, the Superspeciality Doctors’ Forum stated that the government’s decision had been formulated and implemented without sufficient consultation with stakeholders directly involved in patient care.
The forum, comprising 14 superspecialist doctors, pointed out that many of its members had joined government service at a time when private practice was permitted and had accepted their appointments under those conditions. It argued that changing the terms of service unilaterally undermines the trust and commitment of doctors and could adversely affect the ongoing expansion of superspeciality healthcare services in the state.
The doctors maintained that prohibiting private practice alone would not improve healthcare standards unless key challenges such as shortages of medical personnel, inadequate infrastructure, limited ICU and operation theatre facilities, shortage of support staff, and the absence of career promotions and incentives are addressed.
The forum also criticised remarks suggesting that doctors unwilling to accept the new policy should resign, describing such statements as “demeaning and disrespectful” to the medical profession.
Instead of imposing a blanket ban, the doctors proposed an “opt-in, not opt-out” model, under which medical professionals would be allowed to voluntarily choose whether to discontinue private practice.
The controversy comes after Chief Minister Manik Saha defended the government’s decision to ban private practice for faculty members and medical officers at AGMC and GB Pant Hospital, saying the move was intended to improve patient care in government healthcare institutions.
The decision has also drawn criticism from the opposition. Leader of the Opposition Jitendra Chaudhury urged the government to adopt the “best possible approach” to strengthen healthcare services without forcing experienced specialists to leave government service. He warned that the resignation of senior doctors could adversely affect healthcare delivery and said attracting superspecialists from outside the state would be difficult.
Former Health Minister and senior Congress MLA Sudip Roy Barman also criticised the decision, describing it as “unrealistic.” He urged the government to reconsider the policy, arguing that doctors cannot be compelled to remain professionally engaged beyond their regular working hours and warning that the move could ultimately inconvenience patients across Tripura.
Superspecialist Forum Challenges AGMC Policy, Seeks Consultation Before Private Practice Curbs
