Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh (AP,) on the 18th of September, banned private practice by government doctors.
The decision of Jagan Mohan Reddy came after a detailed study of a report submitted by Dr. K. Sujatha Rao, the former Health Secretary of India.
An expert committee, headed by Dr. Sujatha Rao, handed over the report regarding the development of AP in the health sector. The committee, constituted by CM Jagan, made approximately 100 recommendations to improve the health department of the State.
Dr. Rao said, “Basically, the Government’s outlook towards the health sector should change. People are not coming to government hospitals as they lack basic infrastructure and equipment. The number of patients coming to government hospitals in AP is less than the national average.” She further added, “There should be health sub centre for every 5,000 people, village clinics for every 1,000 population and a primary health centre for every 30,000 population. There are about one crore people under the age of 18 years and the Government should focus on their health.”
According to sources, Jagan Mohan Reddy barred government doctors from going ahead with private practice and announced a hike in their salaries.
Mr. Reddy asked the committee to prepare a proposal regarding the government doctors’ increased salaries.
Speaking about the reaction of doctors, the Andhra Pradesh Government Doctors’ Association supported the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP) Government. They said the ban on private practice by government doctors should be done in a phased manner.
This is the second time the AP Government banned government doctors’ private practice. In 1993, under the leadership of N.T. Rama Rao, the Telugu Desam Party (TDP,) the then State Government, imposed the same ban, with the promise of an additional payment of Rs. 50 per day. However, the ban was soon lifted after the doctors moved an AP Court, as the compensation was too low.
The committee led by Dr. K. Sujatha Rao will soon submit a proposal, briefing Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy about the government doctors’ salaries.
Stay tuned for further updates.
