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AGMC, GB Hospital Doctors Accept Private Practice Ban, Seek Major Reforms in Health Sector

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Agartala
  • Jun 27, 2026
  • 186

Faculty members and doctors of the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) & GB Pant Hospital  (GBP) have agreed to comply with the Tripura government's decision to prohibit private medical practice. However, they have simultaneously demanded comprehensive reforms in service conditions, salary structure and healthcare infrastructure.

The state government recently announced a ban on private practice by AGMC and GBP Hospital faculty members and doctors following allegations surrounding patient deaths due to alleged lapses in treatment. To compensate for the loss of private practice, the government has decided to provide a 20 percent Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) on the basic salary of doctors and faculty members.

AGMC Teachers' Forum Discusses Impact of Government Decision

In the wake of the government's announcement, concerns surfaced among the medical fraternity, with many doctors pointing out that no such restriction on private practice existed when they joined government service.

To discuss the issue, the AGMC Teachers' Forum convened a meeting on Saturday. During the discussion, several members reportedly expressed dissatisfaction over the government's latest policy and its implementation.

Forum Places Several Demands Before Chief Minister

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, senior specialist Dr. Tapan Majumder said the forum had already submitted several demands to Chief Minister Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha.

 

Also Read: Tripura Cabinet Bans Private Practice For GBP, AGMC Doctors; 20% Salary Hike Approved

 

Among the key demands are the inclusion of the 20 percent NPA in the salary structure along with Dearness Allowance (DA) benefits, formulation of a transparent promotion policy for faculty and doctors, amendment of the Medical Education Service Rules, and revision of existing pay scales.

Despite expressing reservations, Dr. Majumder said the forum would accept the government's decision, adding that the administration may have introduced the measure to strengthen healthcare services in government hospitals.

Staff Shortage Remains a Major Concern

While agreeing to discontinue private practice, doctors stressed that banning private practice alone would not be enough to improve healthcare delivery at AGMC and GBP Hospital.


Also Read: No Regularization: Contractual Workers of Tripura Health Department Stages Protest

 

 

According to Dr. Majumder, both institutions continue to face an acute shortage of doctors, healthcare workers and support staff. He emphasized that addressing the manpower crisis is essential for ensuring quality medical services in the state's premier healthcare institutions.

Doctors Express Displeasure Over Officials' Remarks

The forum also expressed dissatisfaction over reported remarks made by Cooperation Minister Sushanta Chowdhury and the Health Secretary regarding the government's decision.

According to forum representatives, the Health Secretary reportedly stated that doctors unwilling to accept the government's policy could voluntarily resign from service. Dr. Tapan Majumder and Dr. Kanak Chowdhury said the comments had disappointed many medical professionals.

Doctors argued that they had joined government service decades ago without any restrictions on private practice and felt that introducing such a major policy change after nearly 30 years of service had created resentment among sections of the medical community.

Healthcare Reforms Need Holistic Approach

Medical professionals maintained that while they are committed to complying with the government's directive in the interest of public healthcare, improving healthcare services in Tripura will require a holistic approach involving adequate manpower, better service conditions, infrastructure development and long-term policy reforms.

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