Questions Raised Over Tripura Government's decision to Doctors’ Social Media Health Tips Amid Ban on Private Practice

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, June 26, 2026

The Tripura Government's decision to ban private practice by doctors serving at Agartala Government Medical College (AGMC) and Govind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital has triggered a fresh debate, with many now questioning whether doctors' medical activities on social media should also come under scrutiny.

According to a letter submitted by a group of senior super-specialist doctors led by Dr Siddha Reddy, Abirlal Nath, Bijit Loadh to the Medical Superintendent of AGMC and GBP Hospital, the decision to prohibit private practice was taken without prior consultation with the medical fraternity. The doctors stated that many of them had joined government service when private practice was permitted and had accepted their appointments based on those service conditions. They argued that altering those conditions unilaterally undermines the understanding under which they entered government service.

The doctors further contended that merely banning private practice would not improve healthcare delivery unless longstanding issues such as manpower shortages, inadequate infrastructure, limited ICU and OT facilities, lack of supporting staff, and delays in promotions are addressed. They also warned that the move could adversely affect the development of super-specialty healthcare services in the state and urged the government to adopt a consultative and balanced approach before implementing such reforms.

Meanwhile, the government's decision has also led to another public debate. Many citizens have questioned why some government doctors continue to remain highly active on social media platforms, particularly Facebook, where they regularly share health tips, respond to medical queries, and build large online followings.

Critics argue that if online health-related activities are being used to promote personal visibility, attract patients, or indirectly generate additional income through consultations or referrals, then such practices should also be examined under the broader objective of the private practice ban. They believe that if the government's intention is to ensure that government doctors devote their full attention to public healthcare, similar standards should apply to all forms of medical practice, whether offline or online.

Others, however, point out that sharing general health awareness and educational information on social media can benefit the public and should not automatically be equated with private practice. They suggest that the government should frame clear guidelines distinguishing public health education from personalized medical consultations or commercial activities conducted online.

With both the doctors' objections and the growing public discussion over social media-based medical engagement, the issue has expanded beyond conventional private practice. Many observers believe the state government may now need to formulate a comprehensive policy governing both physical and digital medical practice to ensure transparency, ethical standards, and consistent enforcement.

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