Medical representatives are banned from meeting doctors at government hospitals, according to an order issued by the Health Ministry on May 28.

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

Medical representatives, also known as MRs, are employees of pharmaceutical companies who promote medicines and medical products to doctors.

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

The new directive has been sent to Safdarjung Hospital, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital, Lady Hardinge Medical College and its associated hospitals, as well as the Rural Health Training Centre.

It reminds hospital authorities that such visits are not allowed and asks them to ensure that the earlier instructions on this issue are being followed strictly.

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

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

This move is aimed at maintaining the professional environment of hospitals, preventing any undue influence on doctors, and ensuring that patient care is not disrupted.

Hospitals have also been asked to submit a report on the actions they have taken in response to the directive to the DGHS.