The West Bengal administration announced a 72‑hour prohibition on private practice for doctors, a move intended to address issues related to public healthcare delivery. In response, doctors have organized protests in several cities, calling for the immediate lifting of the ban. The demonstrators argue that the restriction could limit patients’ access to timely medical care and place undue strain on the public health system.
The protests have seen participation from numerous medical associations and individual practitioners, who have staged rallies and picketed government offices. While the government maintains that the ban is temporary and essential for maintaining standards, the medical community has expressed concerns over its short‑term impact.
Officials have indicated that the order will be reviewed after the 72‑hour period, though no definitive timeline for a possible reversal has yet been announced. The situation continues to unfold as both sides engage in dialogue over the future of private medical practice in the state.
