PATNA, Feb. 2 -- 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 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, modern equipment, sufficient human resources-including doctors, nurses and paramedical staff-along with proper working conditions and incentives. The association further maintained that if the government intended to prohibit private practice in the future, it must provide a reasonable non-practice allowance (NPA) or an alternative financial incentive to compensate doctors. BHSA leaders cautioned that a forcibly imposed ban could adversely affect patients, particularly the poor. They argued that such a move could fuel quackery or strengthen arbitrary practices of private hospitals, ultimately harming access to affordable healthcare. The association said it would resist the proposal in the interest of the common man. The doctors resolved to formally place their demands before the health department....