The Indian Government has enforced a policy which bans medical representatives (MRs)from directly meeting doctors in government-run hospitals. This directive, issued by the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), aims to eliminate unethical practices and potential conflicts of interest between healthcare professionals and pharmaceutical companies.
The primary objective of this ban is to ensure that medical decisions are based solely on clinical evidence and patient welfare, free from commercial influence. By restricting in-person interactions, the government seeks to prevent disruptions in hospital settings and reduce the risk of doctors being influenced by gifts, samples, or promotional materials provided by pharmaceutical representatives.
The DGHS has instructed all heads of government hospitals to enforce this ban and ensure compliance. Medical representatives are now required to communicate updates regarding new treatments, investigations, or procedures through digital platforms such as email. This shift encourages a more transparent and standardized method of information dissemination, aligning with modern communication practices.
This move is part of a broader effort to regulate the pharmaceutical industry's influence on healthcare professionals. The National Medical Commission (NMC) has previously mandated that doctors prescribe only generic medicines, and the government has taken steps to enforce these guidelines more rigorously. By curbing direct interactions between doctors and pharmaceutical representatives, the government aims to strengthen these regulations and promote ethical medical practices.
Additionally, the directive mandates the creation of designated time slots for any essential communication between pharmaceutical companies and hospital authorities, minimizing disruption to routine clinical duties. This step also aims to reduce patient wait times and prevent crowding in hospital corridors. Some states, like Kerala and Tripura, had already implemented similar restrictions prior to the national-level directive, citing increased workflow efficiency and ethical concerns.
The ban has elicited mixed reactions from various stakeholders. Some medical representatives and industry associations have expressed concerns about the impact on their professional activities. They argue that such interactions are essential for staying informed about the latest medical advancements and for fostering professional relationships. However, the government maintains that the long-term benefits of unbiased medical practice outweigh these concerns.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Sakshi Thakar/MSM)