Medical representatives banned from entering central government hospitals
Medical representatives will no longer be allowed on the premises of any central government-run hospitals, as per directions issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
'…Medical Representatives should not be permitted in hospital premises. The head of institutions shall give necessary strict directions in the matter to all officials…action taken report may be furnished to this directorate,' the office order, issued on May 28 by Dr Sunita Sharma, Director General of Health Services, states.
A copy of the order is with The Indian Express.
The order goes on to add that doctors may request information on any recent advances in treatment, investigation, or procedure by email or any other virtual medium.
The recent order is aimed at reducing the influence of the pharmaceutical and medical technology industry on doctors. At present, it is a common practice for medical representatives to not only provide education material and samples at the doctor's office, but also be present in operating theatres when their product is being utilised.
The government already has a policy — Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices — to prevent any unethical practices. A revised version of the guidelines released last year allows pharmaceutical companies to arrange continued medical education workshops as well as give research grants, provided it is done in a transparent manner.
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