Thiruvananthapuram: Health minister K Muraleedharan has warned the director of medical education (DME) over a move to consider restoring private practice for doctors working in govt medical colleges. The DME had convened a meeting recently with representatives of medical college doctors’ organisations to discuss the issue.The move has triggered controversy, with the health minister making it clear that allowing private practice would go against the existing govt policy.Responding to queries about the DME-convened meeting, Muraleedharan said there was no such move on the part of govt.“Allowing private practice is not this govt’s policy. We have not received any such representation, nor have we discussed that topic,” said Muraleedharan. He said the DME had mentioned calling a meeting based on a circular from the previous govt, issued in Feb this year.“I stated that officials must follow directives issued after we assumed office. A circular issued in Feb holds no validity in Sept,” he said. “Therefore, we will never approve private practice. We haven’t received any request for it, nor does a situation exist in Keralam requiring private practice,” the minister said.Private practice by doctors in govt medical colleges was banned when P K Sreemathy was the health minister. The practice was discontinued after doctors were provided additional benefits, including a non-practising allowance.The latest move to reconsider the policy followed a letter submitted by an office-bearer of Kerala State Pensioners League seeking permission for private practice by medical college doctors. Based on the request, the DME convened a meeting with representatives of doctors’ organisations without, according to the minister, consulting him.The timing of the meeting also became a point of contention. The DME’s meeting was scheduled for 3pm on Wednesday, when the health minister was convening a news conference at the secretariat.The DME was reportedly considering a favourable approach towards the demand when the issue came under scrutiny, and he had officially invited representatives of various associations for discussion. The health minister subsequently expressed strong opposition and warned the DME, stating that the move was contrary to govt policy.Meanwhile, allegations have emerged that senior members of the health minister’s personal staff were also aware of or connected with the move. There are claims that restoration of private practice was being pursued with the support of certain officials close to the minister, but without his knowledge.
