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In a significant protest against newly imposed regulations, the superintendents of 12 hospitals affiliated with Jaipur’s SMS Medical College collectively resigned on November 17, 2025. The rule, enacted by Rajasthan’s Medical Education Department, prohibits principals and superintendents of government medical colleges and their attached hospitals from engaging in private practice. The doctors also object to directives limiting their teaching duties to no more than 25% of their time. The mass resignation highlights tensions between government healthcare policies and medical professionals’ work conditions in India.
Key Findings and Background:
The Rajasthan government’s new guideline aims to restrict dual practice — the act of government doctors simultaneously running private clinics. Such rules reflect attempts by several Indian states to improve public healthcare by ensuring doctors’ full commitment to government institutions. Similar policies have been trialed in states like Kerala and West Bengal with varying degrees of enforcement and acceptance.
The government insists that principals and superintendents should not engage in private patient consultations or clinics outside their official duties. Moreover, they have mandated that these senior doctors allocate only a quarter of their time to teaching roles, potentially shifting their focus toward administrative responsibilities.
This move follows concerns that dual practice compromises availability and quality of care in public hospitals, as doctors might prioritize lucrative private work. However, it has met staunch opposition from the medical fraternity, including the Rajasthan Medical College Teachers’ Association (RMCTA), who argue the policy is arbitrary, biased, and detrimental to educational quality and hospital leadership.
Expert Perspectives:
Dr. Rajesh Verma, a healthcare policy analyst unaffiliated with the SMS conflict, comments, “Banning private practice among senior government doctors is an attempt to prioritize public health resources and reduce conflicts of interest. However, without appropriate incentives and adequate support, such restrictions can lead to dissatisfaction and attrition among experienced doctors.”
Dr. Anjali Mehta, a retired senior professor from a government medical college in another state, explains, “Private practice supplements the relatively modest government salaries and compensates for administrative burdens. A blanket ban without addressing these financial or workload concerns risks losing trained professionals from public service.”
Public Health Implications:
The principle behind banning private practice is to ensure doctors fully serve the public hospitals, potentially improving access and quality of healthcare for broader populations who might otherwise face referral to expensive private clinics. However, the sudden loss of leadership due to mass resignations could disrupt hospital operations, clinical teaching, and patient care in the short to medium term.
The policy’s effectiveness depends on accompanying measures such as improving salaries, working conditions, and management structures to retain talent in public institutions. Data from previous implementation in other states show mixed results, suggesting careful balancing of regulations and doctors’ professional needs is essential.
Limitations and Counterarguments:
Critics assert that banning private practice ignores the economic realities faced by medical professionals and may drive some doctors away from public healthcare roles, exacerbating shortages. Moreover, some argue that supervised private practice within government hospitals might be more pragmatic, allowing doctors to earn additional income while maintaining accountability.
A 2019 review published in the Indian Journal of Medical Ethics notes that completely banning dual practice without comprehensive reforms risks unintended consequences, including reduced morale, lower hospital efficiency, and even informal private dealings that evade regulation.
Practical Implications for Readers:
For the general public and patients, these developments could affect the availability of senior doctors in government hospitals in Rajasthan. Patients relying on these facilities may experience service disruptions during this transition. The broader issue reminds readers of the complex dynamics underpinning healthcare systems where policy, economics, and provider incentives intersect.
Medical Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with qualified healthcare professionals before making any health-related decisions or changes to your treatment plan. The information presented here is based on current research and expert opinions, which may evolve as new evidence emerges.
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