Dispur to display names of government doctors who avail of 'Non-Practising Allowance'

GUWAHATI: Dispur will go for online display of names of doctors who avail of 'Non-Practising Allowance' (NPA) in a bid to prevent them from practising in private hospitals.

Sources in the Health department said that there are reports and allegations against a large section of doctors who, even after drawing NPA from the State Government, regularly go to private hospitals to treat patients. The annual income of these doctors touches several lakhs.

"As per the plans, the Health department will upload the names of doctors drawing NPA on its website so that they cannot take the authorities as well as the people for a ride by continuing private practice. Actions will be taken against the errant doctors," said the source.

Dispur pays NPA (25 per cent of basic pay) to all government doctors as a reward for dedicating their services to government hospitals.

Sources alleged that a section of senior doctors from different medical colleges including the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and district hospitals spend more time in private hospitals and clinics though they draw NPA from the government.

A senior doctor of GMCH admitted that he carries out his private practice after completing his duty at GMCH. "I am not neglecting my duty at GMCH. Moreover, I am not drawing NPA from the government. Many patients want my treatment outside the GMCH also. So, I do go to some private hospitals and clinics," added the doctor.

Another senior doctor of GMCH who also does private medical practice said that it is ethically wrong for doctors to carry on such medical practice if they are also drawing the NPA from the government.