According to an order issued by the Ministry of Health on May 28, medical representatives have been banned from meeting doctors in government hospitals.

In the order addressed to the central government hospitals, the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) urged the hospitals to strictly stop the entry of medical representatives in the premises.

Medical representatives, also known as MRS, are employees of pharmaceutical companies that promote doctors and medical products to doctors.

They often visit hospitals to meet doctors and share information about new drugs or treatments, and in some cases, provide samples.

The new instruction was for Safdarjung Hospital, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Lady Harding Medical College and its affiliated hospitals have been sent to Rural Health Training Center.

This reminds the hospital officials that such visits are not allowed and they are asked to ensure that the earlier instructions on the issue are being strictly followed.

“Medical representatives should not be allowed in the hospital premises,” DGHS said that the heads of institutions should issue clear and strict instructions to all departments to implement this rule.

The order suggests that medical representatives need to share any significant updates such as digitally new treatment, examination, or medical procedures through email or other online platforms.

The move aims to maintain the professional environment of hospitals, prevent any inappropriate effect on doctors, and ensure that the patient’s care is not interrupted.

Hospitals have also been asked to submit a report on those works in response to DGHS instructions.