In a recent development, the Nagaland government has set a one-month deadline for in-service government doctors to disassociate themselves from private practice or forfeit their Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA).

Speaking to media representatives in Kohima, Y Kikheto Sema, Commissioner & Secretary of the Health & Family Welfare Department, acknowledged that previous instructions regarding private practice and NPA had not been fully adhered to by government doctors.

Following a negative evaluation from the Nagaland Lokayukta, the department conducted several consultations with medical doctors and associations. As a result, an office memorandum was issued on July 31, instructing in-service Government Doctors to comply with the regulations, with disciplinary action to be taken against those who fail to do so. Presently, over 300 in-service doctors avail NPA, incurring an annual expense of approximately 9 crore rupees.

Among them, 51 in-service government doctors were identified as engaging in private practice while availing NPA. The health Commissioner emphasized that these doctors must either close down their private hospitals or end partnerships within one month.

Moreover, the directive extends to in-service Government Doctors engaged in private practice at private hospitals or clinics, mandating them to either cease private practice or forgo their NPA within a month from the date of the office memorandum.

However, in-service Government Doctors who do not avail NPA are permitted to provide private consultations and services during non-working hours, subject to prior approval from the competent authority.

The Health Commissioner also called on all private hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes not to employ any in-service government doctors, nurses, technicians, or health workers. Non-compliance with this directive may lead to the cancellation of their license.