Agartala:Activists staged a public dharna at the foot of the Gandhi statue in front of Agartala Circuit House on Monday, demanding the Tripura government withdraw its decision to ban private practice among government doctors.
The protest was organized by the All India Panchayat Council’s Tripura State Committee, which termed the government’s move “unreasonable” and detrimental to the medical profession. Organizers argued that the restriction on private practice undermines doctors’ professional autonomy and financial independence.
Brijit Singh, MLA and President of the Panchayat Council’s state committee, led the demonstration. Singh, who also serves as Congress Parliamentary Group Leader, emphasized the need for the state administration to reconsider the policy affecting government medical practitioners across the state.
The dharna reflects ongoing concerns within the medical community over restrictions on supplementary income sources. Supporters contend that permitting private practice allows government doctors to enhance their earnings while maintaining their primary public health responsibilities.
The state health department has not yet issued an official statement regarding the protesters’ demands. The issue highlights the broader debate within Tripura’s healthcare sector regarding physician autonomy and the sustainability of government service in competitive job markets.