Tripura Government Bans Private Practice for Medical Faculty at AGMC and GBP Hospital

Agartala, June 25: The Tripura government has made a significant decision to prohibit private practice for doctors and faculty associated with the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital (GBP). This move has drawn criticism from the opposition Congress party, which argues that it could negatively impact healthcare services and medical education in the state.

During a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Manik Saha, government spokesperson and Minister for Food, Civil Supplies, and Consumer Affairs Sushant Chowdhury announced the proposal. He stated that faculty and medical officers linked to AGMC and GBP Hospital will not be allowed to engage in private practice.

In a bid to support these doctors, the state government has decided to increase their basic salary by 20%, which will be provided as a non-practicing allowance. Chowdhury indicated that a detailed notification regarding this decision will be released soon. The government’s aim is to enhance healthcare services and increase accountability at the state’s primary medical institutions.

Despite modern equipment and improved infrastructure, complaints regarding patient services persist, as noted by the minister, referencing the Chief Minister’s observations.

This decision follows discussions with medical organizations and other stakeholders. Currently, around 350 faculty members and medical officers work at AGMC and GBP Hospital, the largest and oldest referral hospital in the state.

The government clarified that this policy will initially apply only to AGMC and GBP Hospital. After evaluating its impact, it may be extended to other government hospitals.

Meanwhile, Congress leader and former Health Minister Sudip Roy Barman has opposed the decision, warning that it may lead experienced doctors to opt for voluntary retirement to continue their private practice. He cautioned that this could adversely affect both medical education and patient care.

Barman has urged the government to reconsider this decision before issuing the notification.