In a push to improve public healthcare services, Sharadwat Mukherjee, Health Minister of West Bengal, has issued a stern warning to government doctors, strictly prohibiting private practice during official duty hours and stressing the need for discipline and accountability in state-run hospitals.
The minister made it clear that doctors must adhere strictly to their assigned schedules and ensure quality medical care for the general public. “Private practice during duty hours in government hospitals will not be tolerated under any circumstances,” he said, adding that regulations governing doctors’ responsibilities are being tightened. He further specified that doctor-teachers must give at least 96 hours per week to hospital duties.
Highlighting the ethical and legal obligations of medical professionals, Mukherjee stated that government doctors are paid salaries to serve the public and any deviation — such as practicing privately during duty hours — would invite strict legal and administrative action. The move echoes a similar crackdown implemented earlier by the government of Bihar under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has also stepped up efforts to modernise the state’s healthcare system and eliminate corruption. In a surprise inspection last Thursday, the Chief Minister visited Swasthya Bhavan while on his way to Nabanna, the state secretariat. During the visit, he reviewed operations at the second-floor monitoring room, which oversees services across government hospitals in the state.
Senior officials, including the Health Minister, accompanied him during the inspection. Administrative sources indicated that a stricter surveillance mechanism will now be enforced through this central control room. All sub-divisional government hospitals are expected to be brought under this monitoring system within the current month to ensure better accountability and service delivery.
The Chief Minister also reiterated his commitment to overhauling the healthcare system, announcing a comprehensive master plan aimed at improving infrastructure and eliminating the influence of touts in government hospitals.
In a major boost to healthcare infrastructure, he further revealed that the Adani Group is constructing a 2,000-bed, international-standard hospital in New Town, which is expected to significantly strengthen medical services in the state.
Also read: New anti-social activities law comes into force in Bengal
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