Allegations of private practice by KGH doctors raise concerns over patient care
Concerns have been raised over the functioning of King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam, with allegations that some doctors are engaging in private practice during official duty hours, impacting patient care at the government facility.
Sources said a section of doctors, including senior specialists, are reportedly spending part of their duty hours at private clinics and hospitals. While such practices are said to have declined following earlier government warnings, the issue is believed to have resurfaced in recent weeks, with doctors reportedly attending outpatient duties briefly before leaving for private practice.
With senior doctors allegedly prioritising private commitments, junior doctors are said to be handling most outpatient and ward responsibilities, a situation stakeholders claim is affecting the quality of services at the hospital.
Alleged diversion of patients
KGH receives around 2,000 to 3,000 patients daily from North Andhra districts. The hospital also offers free surgeries under the NTR Vaidya Seva scheme, which provides significant financial support to the institution.
However, allegations have emerged that some doctors are diverting eligible patients under the scheme to private hospitals where they are also associated. Patients are reportedly being informed that an additional payment over and above the scheme coverage would ensure better treatment at private facilities.
It is further alleged that such information is sometimes communicated through junior doctors closely associated with senior consultants, resulting in the transfer of patients to private hospitals.
Concerns over oversight
The issue has also drawn attention to what is being described as weakened administrative monitoring within the hospital. Routine ward rounds and inspections by senior officials are said to have declined, limiting oversight and grievance redressal mechanisms for patients.
Healthcare stakeholders have called for stricter supervision and periodic inspections to ensure accountability. They noted that surprise checks by district collectors in the past helped curb instances of outside practice by government doctors, and similar interventions may be necessary again.
Meanwhile, internal differences among senior administrative officials, including the superintendent, CSRMOs, and RMOs, are also said to be affecting the hospital’s overall functioning, according to sources.