Agartala, 4th July 2026: Chief Minister Prof. Dr. Manik Saha has reiterated that the state government’s decision barring government doctors from engaging in private practice will remain unchanged. He emphasized that suggestions and proposals submitted by doctors’ organizations are being examined, and reforms will be implemented in consultation with them.
“There is no chance of conflict, and there will not be in the future. I myself am a doctor—why would there be a clash between us?” the Chief Minister said, addressing concerns raised by sections of the medical fraternity. He dismissed speculation and “gossip” surrounding the issue, noting that similar restrictions had been enforced in Tripura decades ago, as reflected in government records dating back to 1979.
Dr. Saha pointed out that private practice by government doctors is already banned in several states, including Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Delhi. Tripura, he said, is aligning with national standards and AIIMS guidelines, with Agartala Government Medical College being developed into a “Centre of Excellence.”
The Chief Minister made it clear that the decision on private practice will remain unchanged, with doctors receiving a Non-Practicing Allowance (NPA) of 20 percent of their basic pay, which will also count toward pension benefits. He recalled that there is historical precedent, as government notes from 1979 show similar instructions were issued, including vigilance measures to enforce compliance. Consultations with medical associations are ongoing, and the government plans to amend the Tripura Medical Education Service Rules. Tripura is also aligning with the national model, following the example of other states and AIIMS where private practice is prohibited.
Stressing the need for hospital reforms, Dr. Saha highlighted discipline in work ethics and punctuality as essential for better patient service delivery. He assured doctors that promotions are being addressed, with ad-hoc promotions already granted and steps underway to regularize them based on judicial advice. Finally, he underlined his vision for excellence, stating that the government aims to strengthen public trust in doctors and contribute to realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Dr. Saha urged doctors to cooperate with the government’s reform measures, assuring them that the decision was taken in their interest as well as for the welfare of patients. “We do not want any rift. Respect for doctors must grow, and public confidence in them must deepen further,” he said.
In the programme, Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha felicitated ten senior retired doctors along with seven doctors representing the fields of academics, administration, clinical services, and programme implementation. Among those honoured were Dr. Pradeep Bhaumik, Dr. Jayanta Shankar Chakraborty, Dr. Shankar Roy, Dr. Shalu Roy, Dr. Bidhan Goswami, Dr. Helly Debbarma, and Dr. Manish Chaudhury.
The event was attended by NHM Mission Director Saju Vaheed A, Dr. Debasish Debbarma, AGMC Principal Dr. Tapan Majumder, Dr. Arindam Datta, DME Director in-charge Dr. Abhijit Datta, Dr. Anjan Das, and several other dignitaries.
