Srinagar: In a significant stride towards transforming the healthcare landscape in Jammu and Kashmir, the regional administration has established a high-level advisory committee to tackle the issue of government doctors engaging in private practice.
This move aims to recommend comprehensive reforms in the health sector. Headed by Dr Ajit Nagpal, the Founding Director of Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), the committee includes distinguished figures such as Dr Atul Kotwal, Executive Director of the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC); Dr Yashpal, Director of Coordination for New Government Medical Colleges in J&K; and Dr Anil Kumar, former Medical Superintendent of PGIMER Chandigarh.
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One of the key mandates of the panel is to “Examine the issue of private practice by doctors in government services and recommend measures for its regulation, along with reviewing and optimizing service conditions for doctors”. The committee would be supported by a Member Secretary, a Special or Additional Secretary nominated by the Health and Medical Education Department, reports
Greater Kashmir.
The committee's broad mandate includes implementing the Chawla Committee’s recommendations, advancing the health sector holistically, conducting budget analyses, enhancing infrastructure, fostering community engagement, evaluating medical education, collaborating with medical institutions, and addressing issues related to private practice, service conditions, integration of different medical systems, human resource rationalization, technology integration, and adopting global best practices.
According to The Daily, the committee will assess the existing physical infrastructure, propose recommendations for expanding and enhancing healthcare facilities, and focus on accessibility and quality services. Additionally, insights into the modernization of medical facilities, laboratories, and technology integration will be provided.
The Health Advisory Committee is slated to serve for one year or until further orders, submitting recommendations to the government every quarter to maintain a report regarding the progress of proposed measures, advancements, and priorities within the Health and Medical Education sector, reports The Daily.
The prevalent practice of government doctors participating in private practice has sparked debates in J&K, with arguments both in favour and against. While some believe it helps doctors supplement their income and retain talent within the public sector, others argue that it could compromise the quality of care in government hospitals. This advisory committee, equipped with a diverse range of experts, is tasked with suggesting global best practices tailored for adoption in J&K.
The recommendations are anticipated to outline a comprehensive roadmap for overhauling the healthcare sector in the region, ensuring accessible, affordable, and high-quality healthcare for residents.
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