The Jammu and Kashmir government is mulling banning private practice of government doctors in the Union Territory to improve the functioning of its hospitals.

A letter sent by the Lt. Governor's office to the Principals' of Government medical colleges in this regard has requested them to give their comments and views in the matter. Jammu and Kashmir is among the few places in the country where private practice of doctors is allowed. There have been many complaints of doctors preferring to treat patients in their private clinics rather in government hospitals.

The step is apparently aimed at improving the functioning of government hospitals and medical colleges across the Union Territory and for making doctors more accessible for the patients. Meanwhile, the government is improving the health infrastructure by building new colleges and opening of two AIIMS, one each in Jammu and the Kashmir Valley.