BMC vigilance team to keep close watch on ‘greedy’ docs

“We received complaints from patients who did not find professors in their departments. They were simultaneously working in other hospitals,” said Dr R N Bharmal, dean at Nair hospital.

Of the total strength of 770 doctors— comprising professors, associate professors and assistant professors— 160 senior doctors in civic-run hospitals are practicing in private hospitals. Of these, 36 are from Nair hospital, 71 are from KEM hospital and 53 are from Sion hospital. A professor, assistant professor or associate professor in the tertiary-care hospitals is allowed to work in one private hospital after or before their normal working hours in their respective civic-run hospital. As per BMC rules, doctors who wish to practice privately would not receive non-practicing allowance (NPA).

NPA is an additional incentive — a percentage of their salary — given to doctors who work exclusively in civic hospitals. Nagda said a proposal to deduct NPA of such doctors was sent for approval six months ago.  “A vigilance team of BMC officials will keep a close watch on doctors who have been caught providing consultancy in private hospitals during civic hospital’s working hours,” said Dr Suhasini Nagda, director of medical education and major hospitals, BMC.

A source said a doctor’s consultancy timing in a private hospital coincided with his working hours at KEM hospital. Investigations  showed that he remained absent during fixed hours from his department. Recently, a circular was issued to all private hospitals in the city asking for their cooperation in keeping an eye on doctors who were attached to public hospitals and were also working in private hospitals.

In the past, three doctors (two from Sion hospital) were issued memos after they were found absent during their working hours. Nagda said, “We cannot stop doctors from going to private hospitals because their expertise is needed. Working in private hospital gives them extra exposure.”

However, she added doctors would not be allowed to take NPA and still work in private set-ups.

tabassum.barnagarwala@expressindia.com