The Bihar government on Saturday announced a complete ban on private practice by doctors employed in government hospitals.
According to a notification issued by the state Health Department, the decision was taken under the state's flagship programme 'Saat Nischay-3' (seven resolves) for the 2025-30 period.
"Under the resolution 'accessible health, secure life', the state has decided to prohibit private practice by government doctors," the notification said.
The department will issue separate guidelines regarding compensation through a non-practising allowance (NPA) for government doctors, subject to approval by the competent authority, it added.
The provision will apply to all government doctors and faculty members in state-run hospitals. Chief minister Nitish Kumar had earlier indicated that such a policy would soon be introduced.
Addressing a gathering during his ‘Samriddhi Yatra’ in West Champaran district in January, Kumar had said the government would bring a new policy aimed at strengthening healthcare infrastructure and curbing private practice by government doctors.
