The recent Government Order No. 308-JK (HME) of 2025, dated 09.04.2025, issued by the Health & Medical Education Department of Jammu and Kashmir, has exposed a concerning trend within the region’s public healthcare system. The order highlights a case where a full-time faculty member at a government medical college performed 1807 surgeries exclusively in private hospitals under the AB-PMJAY/AB PMJAY SEHAT scheme, with no procedures recorded under the same scheme at their government institution. This discrepancy, confirmed by a work-done report from the college, reveals a troubling reality: some medical professionals are prioritizing private practice over their government duties, neglecting their responsibility to serve the public.
This situation underscores a broader issue. Many doctors receive a non-practicing allowance (NPA), a financial incentive designed to ensure they focus solely on government service by abstaining from private practice. Yet, the allure of private practice, often more financially rewarding, appears to overshadow their commitment to public healthcare. While their performance in private setups soars, their contribution to government hospitals dwindles to negligible levels, leaving patients in public facilities—typically the most vulnerable and economically disadvantaged—to suffer the consequences of this neglect.
This case is not an isolated one but a symptom of a systemic problem within the health department. The fact that such a significant lapse went undetected until a formal evaluation by the State Health Agency, J&K, raises serious concerns about oversight and accountability. How many other doctors are violating rules while claiming NPAs? How many patients in government hospitals are being deprived of quality care due to this divided loyalty? The Health Department must urgently introspect and investigate these issues.
The government’s decision to ban the concerned doctor from private practice across the Union Territory is a positive step, but it is far from sufficient. The department must establish stricter monitoring mechanisms to ensure compliance with employment conditions. Regular audits of work performed by faculty members in government institutions, cross-checked with their private practice activities, should be mandatory. Furthermore, the misuse of NPAs must be met with stringent penalties to deter such violations. Doctors who prefer private practice should relinquish government benefits, including the NPA, and operate exclusively in the private sector.
Simultaneously, the Health Department should examine why some doctors gravitate toward private practice. Are government hospitals plagued by inadequate working conditions that drive medicos away? Do systemic inefficiencies hinder their ability to perform effectively in the public sector? Addressing these root causes—through improved infrastructure, timely resource availability, and a supportive work environment—could motivate doctors to approach their government duties with the same dedication they show in private practice.
The public healthcare system in Jammu and Kashmir cannot afford to be undermined by the very professionals tasked with sustaining it. While many doctors serve with integrity and commitment, cases like the one highlighted in the government order erode public trust and underscore the need for reform. The Health Department must act decisively to ensure that medicos fulfill their obligations to government service, protecting the most vulnerable patients from the fallout of this unfortunate duality. Accountability, transparency, and a renewed emphasis on public welfare must lead the way forward.
