West Bengal bans 72-hour private practice by government doctors

Government doctors typically have one designated admission day each week. Under the new order, they cannot take private cases on that day or the two following days, shrinking the window for outside practice. Faculty with two admission days a week could see the restriction cover most of the working week.

Some doctors said the sudden change could affect patients already being treated at private hospitals by government doctors. Other patients welcomed the move, arguing that ensuring doctors are present after admission could improve care quality and continuity.

The order directly affects private practice by faculty members at government medical colleges. It does not apply to doctors outside the West Bengal Medical Education Service or to treatment already underway before the restriction period begins.