SWABI, Jan 24: District Nazim Shahram Khan has said that doctors in government service should stop the practice of visiting private patients during official duty hours, and warned of strict action on non-compliance.

Patients visiting the DHQ hospital should be treated properly, said the nazim at a meeting with doctors and paramedical staff of the hospital on Wednesday.District Health Officer Dr Sabaz Ali Khan accompanied the nazim.

It is generally complained that patients needing surgery are told by the DHQ hospital doctors to wait for months, forcing them to turn to private hospitals where the same doctors perform the operation. It is also alleged that many doctors use their bungalows for carrying out check-up privately.

The nazim said he had received information that many doctors, employed with the DHQ hospital, were visiting patients in three private hospitals located nearby during their official duty hours. He warned that the district government would take stern action against the doctors continuing with the illegal practice.

“I have received reports that many doctors force the patients to visit private clinics for treatment, using the DHQ hospital as a bargaining spot,” he said.

Similar reports had been received about rural health centres and basic health units in the area, he added.

Mr Khan also took note of the sale of medicines, supplied to the hospital, at chemist shops.

He also expressed anguish over the failure of the staff to keep the hospital clean.