Former Tripura CM Manik Sarkar criticized the state government’s healthcare policy, urging reconsideration of the ban on doctors’ private practice. He also raised concerns over deteriorating healthcare services, education, law and order, and alleged administrative misuse of authority.
Senior CPI(M) leader and former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar on Wednesday criticized the state government’s healthcare policy, urging it to reconsider its decision prohibiting government doctors from engaging in private practice after official duty hours. He alleged that the policy has adversely affected patients and disrupted healthcare services across the state.
Addressing the media, Sarkar questioned whether the government’s decision had been taken after properly assessing the realities of Tripura’s healthcare infrastructure. He argued that policy decisions should be framed in consultation with all stakeholders and should reflect the practical needs of both patients and medical professionals.
According to Sarkar, the situation at Agartala Government Medical College’s GBP Hospital and IGM Hospital has become increasingly difficult for patients. He claimed that long queues at registration counters, extended waiting periods, and uncertainty over obtaining consultations from doctors have become common occurrences since the implementation of the restriction on private practice.
The former Chief Minister maintained that while the government possesses the authority to formulate policies, such measures must be compatible with prevailing conditions within the state’s healthcare system. He urged the government to review the restriction on doctors’ private practice after working hours, stating that a balanced approach would better serve public interest and improve access to medical care.
Sarkar alleged that the current policy has placed additional pressure on already burdened government hospitals, affecting both healthcare providers and patients. He said that any decision impacting essential public services should be periodically evaluated to determine whether it is achieving its intended objectives without creating unnecessary hardships.
Apart from healthcare, Sarkar also criticized the alleged conduct of a district magistrate in connection with an incident involving an Indian Statistical Service (ISS) officer during a school inspection. Referring to reports that the officer resigned after allegedly being publicly humiliated, Sarkar described the episode as an example of administrative overreach.
He alleged that the district magistrate became irritated after students were unable to answer certain questions during the inspection and subsequently insulted the ISS officer. According to Sarkar, such behavior reflected an abuse of official authority and was inconsistent with responsible public administration.
The veteran CPI(M) leader further argued that the incident highlighted misplaced administrative priorities. Instead of focusing on improving educational standards and addressing the shortage of teachers in government schools, he alleged that officials were more interested in displaying authority than resolving the structural challenges confronting the education sector.
Sarkar accused the government of weakening both the healthcare and education systems through policies and administrative decisions that, according to him, fail to address the real issues affecting the people of Tripura. He said the state requires greater investment in public services and more effective governance to improve service delivery.
Commenting on the law and order situation, Sarkar alleged that Tripura has witnessed an increase in incidents of murder, theft, and robbery. He further claimed that criminal activities have become so widespread that even police stations are no longer immune from such incidents.
The former Chief Minister also criticized the functioning of the police, alleging that law enforcement agencies have failed to effectively tackle rising crime. According to him, the overall law and order situation has deteriorated significantly, creating insecurity among citizens.
| Also Read: Tripura Finalizes Private Practice Ban After Doctors’ Consultation |
Sarkar called upon the state government to reassess its approach toward healthcare, education, and public administration, emphasizing that policies should prioritize public welfare, strengthen essential services, and address the concerns of citizens through consultation and practical governance.
