The Kerala government has recently rolled out new guidelines for the private practice of doctors employed under health services. These changes are part of an amendment to the government servants’ conduct rules, which aim to streamline and regulate private medical practices, ensuring better healthcare services and minimizing conflicts of interest.

Key Highlights of the New Guidelines

1. 1-Kilometer Restriction on Private Practice According to the new rules, government doctors are now prohibited from conducting private practice within a 1-kilometer radius of the hospital where they work. However, there are exceptions: doctors can practice privately from their own homes or in government-provided quarters within this restricted zone. This move is meant to prevent overlaps between their roles in public healthcare and private consultations.
2. Limitations on Commercial Properties Doctors cannot run their private practices in buildings that were constructed for commercial purposes or are attached to labs, scanning centers, medical institutions, or pharmacies. This ensures that there is no commercial influence on the private healthcare they provide and that the practice remains independent from other healthcare services.
3. Minimal Equipment Usage One of the more stringent rules is the limitation on using medical devices during private practice. Doctors are required to use only the bare minimum equipment necessary for diagnosing an illness, ensuring that advanced technologies and medicines available in government hospitals are not exploited for personal gain. For dental doctors, however, the use of essential equipment like dental chairs and minimal instruments is permitted, reflecting the specialized nature of their practice.
4. No Referrals to Government Hospitals To prevent conflicts of interest, the new guidelines state that doctors should not refer patients from their private practice to government institutions for follow-up services such as injections, administration of medicine, or diagnostic tests. Moreover, doctors are prohibited from utilizing government hospital resources, such as medicines and equipment, for their private practice.
5. Proof of Residence Doctors conducting private practice from their homes must provide proof of residence. Acceptable documents include Aadhaar cards, utility bills (electricity, water, or telephone), or building tax receipts. If none of these documents are available, a residence certificate issued by local government authorities must be provided.

Impact on Kerala’s Healthcare System

These new guidelines have sparked a conversation about how doctors in Kerala balance private practice with their public duties. Some health professionals feel that these rules are too restrictive and may adversely affect their livelihoods. However, others see it as a necessary measure to ensure that government doctors focus primarily on their public healthcare responsibilities and maintain ethical practices.

The rules aim to address long-standing concerns about government doctors who sometimes split their attention between public service and private practice, potentially leading to compromised care for patients in the public health system. By limiting private practice, especially near government hospitals, and regulating how doctors can operate privately, the Kerala government hopes to enhance the overall efficiency and integrity of the healthcare system.

Final Thoughts

The introduction of these rules reflects the Kerala government’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity of its healthcare system. While it presents challenges for doctors who rely on private practice, the regulations aim to ensure that patients receive the best care possible without conflicts of interest or misuse of government resources. As the landscape of healthcare evolves, especially in a post-pandemic world, these rules might set a precedent for other states to follow.

This latest development also emphasizes the importance of transparency and the ethical responsibility doctors carry, not just to their private patients but to the public at large.

To register for our next masterclass please click here https://linktr.ee/docpreneur