Pune Doctor From Sassoon Hospital Accused Of Private Practice, Faces Departmental Action
Pune Doctor From Sassoon Hospital Accused Of Private Practice, Faces Departmental Action
Pune: Associate Professor of Psychiatry, a government-employed doctor at B.J. Medical College, Pune, is facing departmental action for allegedly engaging in private practice while on the government payroll. The Commissioner of the Department of Medical Education has recommended proceedings against him to the Maharashtra government following an investigation.
The case emerged after lawyer and RTI activist Rishabh Talera filed a complaint on November 12, 2024, alleging that the doctor was charging ₹2,000 per visit for private consultations despite being a full-time government doctor. The complaint also included evidence of his involvement in multiple private clinics, including one in PCMC limits and a private hospital.Â
Following this, Dr. Eknath Pawar, Dean of B.J. Medical College, formed a three-member internal inquiry committee on November 18, 2024. The committee questioned the complainant on December 18, 2024, and later submitted its findings to the Commissioner of the Department of Medical Education. Based on the report, departmental action has been recommended. The final decision now rests with the Maharashtra government.
Dr Eknath Pawar, dean of BJ Medical College and Sassoon General Hospital while speaking to Pune Pulse confirmed about the enquiry. He stated that the report to the state government has already been sent. Government action is pending over it.
Ethical and Legal Concerns
The issue of government doctors engaging in private practice raises ethical concerns, as it often results in reduced availability and efficiency in public hospitals. Doctors juggling private and government duties may neglect their responsibilities in government-run facilities, affecting patient care.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court (Azra Ismail v. Union of India & Ors., 2020) has previously ruled against private practice by government doctors, stating:
“Government-employed doctors must not exploit public resources for private gain. Engaging in private practice diminishes their focus on public service and compromises patient care.”
The case highlights the need for stricter regulations to prevent government doctors from misusing public infrastructure for personal financial gain. As the Maharashtra government reviews the case, the outcome could set a precedent for stronger enforcement against such practices in the future.
