Kohima, 2 August (MTNews): In a significant development concerning the functioning of Government doctors in Nagaland, a press conference was held at the Secretariat Conference Hall on 1 August 2023. The conference was chaired by Y Kikheto Sema, Commissioner & Secretary to the Government of Nagaland, and attended by the Principal Director of Health & Family Welfare and the President of the Nagaland Medical Council.
The primary focus of the press conference was the declaration of a new Office Memorandum (OM) by the Health and Family Welfare Department, addressing matters related to private practice by Government doctors and Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA). The OM emphasized the importance of adhering to the Finance Department’s Notifications and related instructions concerning these matters.
The issue of non-compliance with the laid-down instructions came under scrutiny, with Nagaland Lokayukta expressing concern over the matter. As a result, the following strict instructions have been issued to rectify the situation:
In-service Government Doctors, both availing and not availing NPA, who are engaged in private practice in their hospitals or in partnerships, are directed to either close down their private hospitals or dissociate from such partnerships within one month from the date of issuance of the Office Memorandum.
In-service Government Doctors availing NPA and involved in private practice in private hospitals/clinics have been directed to either stop private practice or forfeit their NPA within one month from the date of the Office Memorandum.
In-service Government Doctors not availing NPA may be allowed to provide private consultations and services to needy patients strictly during non-working hours, subject to prior approval from the competent authority.
Furthermore, all private hospitals, clinics, and nursing homes have been strictly instructed not to engage any in-service Government Doctors, Nurses, Technicians, and Health Workers in their establishments. Failure to comply with this directive will result in the cancellation of their license.
Addressing another concern, instances of some In-service Government Doctors and Health Workers being irregular in their place of posting were highlighted during the press conference. It was emphasized that such irregularities hamper the health care delivery system in their respective health units. In response, it was announced that action will be initiated under the Nagaland Government Servants Conduct Rules, 1968, and the Nagaland Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1967, in the event of absence from the place of posting without proper leave permissions from the competent authority.
Additionally, Commissioner & Secretary Y Kikheto Sema announced a change in the Outpatient Department (OPD) timings in all State Government Health Units under the Department of Health & Family Welfare. The OPD timings will be rescheduled from 8:30 AM – 2:30 PM to 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM, effective from 10 August 2023.
