AGARTALA, June 31 (TIWN): Tripura's former Health Minister Sudip Barman, who was sacked from the BJP government cabinet before rejoining the Congress, has questioned the credibility of a cabinet decision that now prevents all doctors of GB and AGMC from engaging in private practice during off-duty hours.

According to Barman, the government should have focused on achievable goals instead of such measures.

“What is the relation between banning private practice completely and improving health services in those hospitals?” asked Barman.

“According to the cabinet memo, this decision was taken to upgrade the services and care provided to patients. But tell me now, how are these two things related?”

“Rather, what the government could have done is prevent duty-hour violations. The incumbent Health Minister (CM Manik Saha) himself practiced privately during off-hours. Was it hampering treatment? So, how is it related?” Barman asked.

“They should be ashamed of the slow services,” said Barman, citing June's admitted patients' sonography appointments being booked only for August.

He also cited that the cancer hospital, CT scan, and various other machines are not working in those hospitals.

“Due to this decision, patients are suffering. The outpatient departments are in a suffocating state,” said Barman.

He also feared that doctors would opt for mass retirement if the decision is not withdrawn.

“Why will interns run hospitals? Develop the system here. Bring in a proper roster system for doctors. Monitor district hospitals that are referring patients due to a lack of facilities. If you take such decisions, we will help you,” he said.

“I will again request the government to review the decision and not dare to issue such notifications again. It will cause mass resignations,” he said.