By Firstdespatch Desk Jun 29, 2026
Agartala, June 29 (FD) Doctors at the Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital have clarified that they are not opposed to the state government's decision to prohibit private practice by government doctors. However, they have urged the government to simultaneously address long-pending service-related demands, including revision of service rules, restructuring of salary, and ensuring time-bound promotions.
AGMC Teachers' Forum President Dr. Tapan Majumder said that if the government aims to develop the state's premier healthcare institution on the lines of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, doctors should also be provided with comparable pay scales, career progression, and service benefits.
The government's directive has affected nearly 350 doctors attached to AGMC and GBP Hospital, all of whom discontinued private practice from Sunday in compliance with the order. The move has reportedly caused inconvenience to patients who depended on consultations at private clinics.
In response to the development, an emergency meeting of the All Tripura Government Doctors' Association (ATGDA), AGMC Teachers' Forum, and the Indian Medical Association (IMA) was convened to discuss the way forward.
"We have decided to meet the Chief Minister and the Secretary of Health Services to submit our demands in the wake of the government's decision," Dr. Majumder said. He reiterated that the medical fraternity supports the objective of strengthening public healthcare but expects the government to resolve longstanding issues concerning doctors' service conditions.
ATGDA General Secretary Dr. Kanak Chowdhury said government doctors remain committed to delivering quality healthcare and meeting public expectations.
"At present, the Chief Minister and the Secretary of Health Services are out of station. Once they return, we will meet them to place our concerns and seek an early resolution," he said. FD JK