Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced a nationwide ban on the presence of medical representatives (MRs) in central government hospitals.
The directive, issued on May 28, clearly states that medical representatives will no longer be allowed to enter hospital premises. The order instructs heads of institutions to strictly enforce this rule and to communicate it to all relevant staff. Hospitals are also required to submit an “action taken report” to the Directorate General of Health Services.
This move is part of the government’s broader strategy to eliminate marketing practices by pharmaceutical and medical device companies that could unduly influence doctors’ decisions or encourage unnecessary prescriptions.
According to the order, any updates regarding new treatments, diagnostic methods, or medical procedures from pharmaceutical companies must now be shared exclusively through email or other digital platforms. This aligns with the Uniform Code of Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices, which bans companies from offering gifts, hospitality, or financial incentives to healthcare professionals or their families.
Officials noted that by restricting direct interaction between medical representatives and doctors in public hospitals, the government seeks to eliminate potential conflicts of interest and ensure that medical decisions are based purely on clinical evidence and patient needs.
Industry analysts view this as a significant tightening of regulatory controls and a clear message that patient well-being will take precedence over commercial interests. The move is expected to lead to a major overhaul of how pharmaceutical and medical device companies interact with public healthcare providers, pushing for more ethical, transparent, and digitally-driven communication.
