In a significant policy shift aimed at bolstering public health services, the Tripura government has decided to bar medical professionals attached to the state-run GB Pant Hospital and Agartala Government Medical College (GBP-AGMC) from undertaking private practice. The decision, announced by State Minister Sushanta Chowdhury on Tuesday, comes with a provision for a 20% hike in basic salary as a non-practice allowance for the affected faculty members and medical officers.
The proposal received approval from the council of ministers during its last meeting held on Monday. Minister Chowdhury stated that a formal notification detailing the implementation of this new regulation is expected to be issued shortly, marking a pivotal step towards reforming healthcare delivery in the state's premier medical institution.
The primary motivation behind this move, as articulated by the Minister, is to elevate the standard of services offered at GBP-AGMC. Chief Minister Manik Saha reportedly holds the view that despite considerable improvements in infrastructure, patient satisfaction levels have remained a concern. This feedback has prompted authorities to explore measures that ensure dedicated focus on public patients.
Before finalising the decision, officials engaged in consultations with medical professionals' bodies, ensuring that their perspectives were considered. While the new rule restricts private engagements for those at GBP-AGMC, the Minister clarified that medical staff in other state-run hospitals retain the liberty for private practice, underscoring the targeted nature of this policy at the state's flagship hospital.
Continue Reading
