J&K Govt Bans 6 J&K Doctors for Unethical Referrals and Private Practice During Duty Hours

J&K Govt Bans 6 J&K Doctors for Unethical Referrals and Private Practice During Duty Hours

Srinagar, July 28 (ProKashmiri.in): The Jammu and Kashmir Government has taken strict action against six doctors accused of violating medical ethics by engaging in private practice during duty hours and referring patients to private hospitals for personal gains. The decision follows an official probe conducted by the State Health Agency under the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY) and the SEHAT scheme.

According to Government Order No. 509 -JK (HME) of 2025, issued by the Health and Medical Education Department on July 28, a total of six doctors have been named for serious misconduct. The list includes consultants and medical officers from GMC Anantnag, DH Pulwama, CHC Hiranagar, EH Vijaypur, and DH Samba.

ProKashmiri.in has accessed an official copy of the order, which outlines both the volume of cases handled unethically and the locations where the alleged malpractice occurred.

What the Order States

The government order reveals that the doctors involved were caught either performing procedures during official hours at private clinics or referring patients from government hospitals to private empanelled facilities under the AB-PMJAY/SEHAT scheme.

Here’s a breakdown of the accused:

The report also clarifies that their involvement was well-documented and verified by internal data under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.

Stakeholder Reactions

Speaking to ProKashmiri.in, a senior official in the Health Department, on condition of anonymity, said:

“This is just the beginning. The government is closely monitoring such practices, and more actions will follow. Patient welfare cannot be compromised for personal profits.”

A patient caretaker outside GMC Anantnag, reacting to the news, said:

“We always suspected some doctors were sending patients to private setups even when facilities were available in the hospital. This order is a relief for many poor families.”

Background: Why This Action Was Taken

The State Health Agency (SHA), which supervises the AB-PMJAY and SEHAT schemes in Jammu and Kashmir, found significant discrepancies in the doctors’ work logs. Instead of serving patients at their designated hospitals, these doctors were allegedly performing surgeries and consultations at private hospitals during official hours.

This not only violates employment rules but also undermines the government’s flagship health schemes that aim to provide free treatment to poor and vulnerable families.

Government’s Intent Is Clear

The government has made it clear that any breach of medical ethics, particularly when it comes to public trust and patient care, will invite strict action. These latest bans serve as a warning to all healthcare professionals operating in government-run institutions.

The order, signed by Chandraker Bharti, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government, calls the conduct of the six doctors “a serious breach of trust” and warns of further administrative consequences if such practices continue.

Additionally, health administrators across Jammu and Kashmir have been instructed to keep strict watch and report any future violations immediately.

What’s Next?

While the order is now in effect, further disciplinary action, including suspension or termination, may follow if the accused doctors fail to respond satisfactorily to the government’s notices.

Health institutions are also expected to install stronger monitoring systems for real-time tracking of doctor attendance, referral logs, and patient care metrics under central health schemes.

This crackdown is one of the strongest measures taken so far to clean up the public health sector in J&K. With over 700 combined unethical cases across just six doctors, the message is clear—the healthcare system must prioritize patients, not profits.

Stay updated with ProKashmiri.in as we continue to track this developing story.