The Nagaland Government have set a one-month timeline for the in-service government doctors both availing as well as not availing Non Practicing Allowance (NPA) and engaged in private practice in their own hospitals or in partnership, to either close down their private hospitals or to de-associate from such partnership.
Commissioner & Secretary Health and Family Welfare, Y Kikheto Sema, IAS informing this to the media here at Secretariat Hall, Kohima said that after series of meetings with the concern medical officers, medical associations and directive from the Nagaland Lokayukta, the Government issued the Office Memorandum (OM) on 31 July.
“It was the burning desire of the department to address this issue. Despite several notifications from the Finance Department, the Nagaland Health Care establishment Act,1977 and related instructions issued from time to time. It has however been observed that in many instances, these laid down instructions are not being compiled in letter and spirit. The issue has also been adversely viewed by Nagaland Lokayukta,” said Sema.
Download Nagaland Tribune app on Google Play
The in-service government doctors who are availing NPA and involved in private practice in private hospitals/clinics have also been directed to either stop practice or to forgo their NPA within one month from the date of issue of the OM, the order stated.
The OM have also directed that the in-service government not availing NPA may be allowed to give private consultations and services with prior approval of the competent authority to the needy patients strictly during non-working hours.
It directed that all the private hospitals, clinics and nursing homes not to engage any in-service government doctors, nurses, technicians and health workers in their establishments. Failure to comply to this directive, the OM stated that their license shall be liable for cancellation.
Further, the OM stated that instances have also come to the notice of the Government that some In-service Government Doctors/Health Workers are irregular in their place of posting which hampers the Health Care delivery system in their respective health units. It reiterated that in the event of report of absence from the place of posting without proper leave permissions from the competent authority, action will be initiated as per the Nagaland Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1968 and the Nagaland Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1967.
Sema informed that the State government is spending around Rs.9 crore annually on NPA and as per Lokayukta 51 employees are availing NPA and privately practicing.
He also said that the department along with the Nagaland Medical council will undergo surprise inspection in all the health institutions across the state.
Meanwhile, in the interest of the public service, the timing for Out Patient Department (OPD) in all the State Government Health Units under the Department of Health & Family Welfare has been rescheduled from 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM to 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM w.e.f. 10th August 2023, informed Sema.
