Ques: Why it is believed that the number of PCMS doctors violating the rule as regards private practice has increased over the years?

It is true that today number of government doctors who are believed to be working privately is more as compared to the trend a decade ago. And there are various reasons for that. Lure of money is one of the main factors, and there is another side to the problem.

But the government doctors should not violate the terms and conditions of their profession as they are already paid non-practising allowance by the government. And if they are not happy with the amount being paid to them, they should report it through a proper channel.

Ques: What is the other possible side that you just mentioned as a reason?

If there are no proper facilities or infrastructure, a doctor cannot do much. And for want of proper infrastructure and facilities, there is less of job satisfaction. Our health system is presently not living up to the expected level and therefore some doctors may not have the job satisfaction.

Ques: Are you hinting at the shortage of doctors in government colleges because of more prospects in the private sector?

This is true. Three major government colleges in the state have already been served noticed by the Medical Council of India as they were not able to recruit the required number of faculty members. This shows that there is a great need to pay more importance to the healthcare. So, instead of issuing a nominal budget for the sector, the government is required to release more funds.

Ques: Where do you think we lag behind in the public healthcare sector?

It is the infrastructure that we urgently need in the government colleges and hospitals. There are 38,000 registered medical practitioners with the PMC and our doctors in the state are very competent but they are not getting the right kind of environment to work. So they are settling abroad. As per an estimate, every seventh doctor in the US in some years is going to be an Indian. That speaks volumes about our expertise.

Ques: What is the first step that the government should take to provide better healthcare to all?

I think health insurance should be introduced at every level. With this, the rural and poor people can also avail themselves of better treatment at private hospitals.

Ques: PMC has introduced 50 compulsory credit hours for the doctors in the state. How will it benefit the doctors?

CMEs are important in order that the doctors are updated about the advancements in medicine. The doctors will now have to attend the CMEs seriously in order to earn 50 credit hours in five years. This will make them eligible for re-registration which will be done every five years now.