SRINAGAR, July 29: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has barred six doctors from government practice after they were found involved in private medical engagements during official duty hours and in making unethical referrals to private Empanelled Health Care Providers (EHCPs). The action comes in the wake of a comprehensive evaluation conducted by the State Health Agency under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and AB PMJAY SEHAT Scheme.
According to Government Order No. 509-JK (HME) of 2025, issued on July 28, the assessment unearthed significant violations by the concerned doctors, revealing patterns of private clinical work during duty hours and unethical collusion with private hospitals. The findings were based on communication references from the State Health Agency dated March 2025 and led to a formal order from the Health and Medical Education Department, Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.
The doctors found engaged in private practice during government duty hours include Dr. Bilal Ahmad Bashir, a Consultant (Surgeon) posted at GMC Anantnag, who was linked to 312 such cases. Dr. Ishaq, serving as Medical Officer at District Hospital Pulwama, was cited in 170 cases, while Dr. Younis Kamal, Associate Professor in the Department of Orthopaedics at GMC Anantnag, was connected to 185 similar instances.
In addition, the government identified three more medical officers involved in unethical referrals to private EHCPs. Dr. Vikas Gupta, posted at CHC Hiranagar, was associated with 19 such referrals. Dr. Manju Kumari, a Medical Officer at EH Vijaypur, was named in 18 cases, while Dr. Raj Kumar Bhagat of District Hospital Samba was found responsible for 12.
The work-done report submitted by the State Health Agency unequivocally established that these doctors, while being full-time government employees, were extensively engaged in private practice. Their involvement, the report stated, significantly outweighed their contribution to public service, ultimately undermining the objectives of the AB-PMJAY and SEHAT schemes. The government has termed this conduct a serious breach of ethical responsibility and public trust, and further departmental action is expected.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
