Rajkot: A letter written by a social activist has gone viral in Rajkot, alleging that several doctors from the city’s Civil Hospital are running private practices despite being full-time government employees. The letter claims these doctors, affiliated with the medical college, continue to draw substantial government salaries while simultaneously working at private hospitals.

The letter states: “For years, several permanent Class 1 and Class 2 employees serving at Rajkot Medical College have been running private practices and other businesses alongside their government jobs. This is happening under the lenient watch of Dean Dr. Bharti Patel, Medical Superintendent Dr. Monali Makadia, and the administrative staff. All of them are well aware of the situation, but these doctors regularly pay large sums to the officials, which is why they are neither dismissed from service nor replaced by new appointments.”

The letter, written by social worker Dr. Doshi, specifically names 19 doctors from departments including orthopedics, radiology, pathology, medicine, and surgery.

As the issue gained media attention, Dean of Rajkot Medical College Dr. Bharti Patel stated that an inquiry has been initiated after the letter allegedly written by Dr. Doshi went viral. “A committee will be formed to investigate the issue,” she said. Doctors are required to mark attendance through biometric systems, and official government duty hours are from 9 AM to 5 PM. Those attached to the CM Setu program must remain present during these hours. As per rules, they cannot engage in private practice during government duty hours.

She further added that Rajkot Civil Hospital currently has around 200 doctors on duty, of which about 60 have been appointed under a ‘with private practice’ clause. Under this clause, the state government appoints doctors as Assistant Professors and issues orders allowing them to work at both government and private hospitals simultaneously. DeshGujarat