Bihar draws a clear line: Government doctors barred from private practice

In a decisive move aimed at reshaping public healthcare, the Bihar government has announced a complete ban on private practice by doctors employed in government hospitals . The decision, unveiled on Saturday, signals a strong policy shift toward improving accountability and accessibility in the state’s health system.

The reform comes under the ambitious ‘Saat Nischay-3’ programme (2025–30) , particularly aligned with its vision of “accessible health, secure life.” By prohibiting private practice, the government intends to ensure that doctors remain fully committed to their duties in public hospitals, a sector often criticized for absenteeism and divided attention. Notably, Bihar joins states like Kerala, West Bengal, and Delhi, where similar restrictions already exist, reflecting a broader national push to keep government doctors fully focused on public healthcare.

According to the Health Department’s notification, the rule will apply uniformly to all government doctors and faculty members working in state-run medical institutions. This marks one of the most comprehensive restrictions in recent years, reflecting the administration’s intent to strengthen the credibility of public healthcare services.

To balance the impact of this restriction, the government has proposed a Non-Practising Allowance (NPA) for doctors. While detailed guidelines are yet to be issued, the move is expected to compensate medical professionals for the loss of additional income from private consultations. The final structure of this allowance will depend on approval from the competent authority.

The groundwork for this policy was laid earlier by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar , who had hinted at such reforms during his ‘Samriddhi Yatra’ in West Champaran. He emphasized the need for a stronger healthcare framework that prioritizes public service over private gain.

This decision could prove transformative if implemented effectively. By ensuring doctors are fully present in government hospitals, the policy aims to reduce patient load in private clinics, improve service quality, and rebuild public trust in the state’s healthcare system.

However, its success will depend on strict enforcement and fair compensation , as the balance between public duty and professional satisfaction remains delicate.