A shocking case has emerged from Nagaur district in the state, where 11 government doctors have been accused of operating their own private hospitals and clinics. Following the complaint, the administration and the medical department have sprung into action and launched an investigation. This matter not only flouts government regulations but also raises serious questions about the impartiality and integrity of healthcare services.
What is the full story?
According to sources, a complaint was filed against 11 doctors working in Nagaur's district hospital and associated Primary Health Centers (PHCs) and Community Health Centers (CHCs). The complaint alleges that these doctors are engaging in private practice alongside their government duties. Notably, many of these doctors have established private hospitals and nursing homes in their own names or in the names of family members.
These doctors are also accused of referring patients from government hospitals to their private facilities instead of providing adequate treatment, thereby profiting financially. This has severely impacted the credibility and services of government hospitals.
How was the revelation made?
The health department received information some time ago through RTI applications and anonymous complaints indicating that certain doctors were absent from their duties and were seen at private clinics. Following this, the district administration formed an inquiry committee, which monitored the private activities of some doctors. Preliminary investigations revealed that private nursing homes are registered under the names of several doctors on Rajasthan's healthcare registration portal. In some cases, the institutions are run in the names of their relatives, but the actual responsibility for operations lies with the doctor concerned.
Departmental action initiated
The state's Medical and Health Department has taken this matter seriously, stating that disciplinary action ranging from suspension to termination of service may be taken against the doctors found guilty. According to departmental sources, the daily attendance and CCTV footage of several doctors are being scrutinized. Nagaur's CMHO (Chief Medical and Health Officer), Dr. Harish Godha, stated: "Appropriate action will be taken upon confirmation of the complaint. Private practice by government doctors is against the rules. Strict departmental action will be taken against anyone found guilty in the investigation."
What do the rules say?
There is a clear rule for government doctors stating that they cannot engage in any form of private practice or commercial activity during duty hours. Even after work, private practice is illegal without the permission of the competent authority. According to the state government's terms of service, running a private hospital by a government doctor falls under the category of "conflict of interest".
This revelation has also caused public outrage. A patient's relative, Rajkumar Rao, stated: "When we went to the government hospital, the doctor said that the tests couldn't be done properly here, and we should go to such-and-such nursing home. Later, we found out that the hospital belonged to the same doctor. This is outright deception."
