Agartala, 24th June 2026: A fresh debate has emerged in Tripura’s healthcare sector following the state government’s decision to bar doctors of Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and GB Pant Hospital from engaging in private practice. Senior legislator Sudip Roy Barman has openly voiced his dissatisfaction with the move, urging the government to reconsider the ban.
Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Roy Barman questioned the rationale behind the decision, stating that stopping private practice does not automatically guarantee better healthcare services or additional benefits for patients. He argued that after fulfilling their official duties, doctors should have the freedom to decide how to utilize their remaining time. Citing examples from other states, he suggested that Tripura could introduce paid clinics within government hospitals, where patients willing to pay a fee could consult doctors directly.
The MLA further raised concerns about why the restriction was imposed only on AGMC and GB Pant doctors, while district hospital physicians were exempt. “If this is truly a public interest measure, why is it not uniformly applied across the state?” he asked.
Roy Barman also highlighted the fragile state of Tripura’s healthcare infrastructure. He alleged that three vital machines at the state cancer hospital have remained non-functional for months without repair. He accused the administration of irregularities in the maintenance of medical equipment and stressed the need for strict monitoring to ensure doctors remain attentive during duty hours and patients are not compelled to seek private care.
Expressing apprehension, he warned that the ban could drive experienced doctors to leave the state, worsening the shortage of medical professionals. He pointed out that AGMC already suffers from a faculty deficit, yet student intake has been increased. In such circumstances, he cautioned, the new policy could negatively affect both medical education and patient care.
Concluding his remarks, Roy Barman appealed to the government to revisit its decision on private practice and instead focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure and services for the people of Tripura.
