PATNA, Feb. 1 -- Government doctors under the banner of Bihar Health Services Association (BHSA) on Sunday strongly opposed the state government's proposed move to ban private practice, asserting that it should remain optional unless key systemic gaps were addressed.

Speaking after a meeting at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) hall, BHSA spokesperson Dr Vinay Kumar said a blanket ban would be unjustified without substantial improvements in government health institutions. He said the state must first ensure adequate infrastructure, availability of modern equipment, sufficient human resources-including doctors, nurses and paramedical staff-along with proper working conditions and incentives.

The association further maintained that if ...