By Firstdespatch Desk Jul 19, 2023
Agartala, July 19 (FD) In a recent development, the Tripura government has imposed a ban on medical representatives from entering government-run hospitals and health centres between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
The decision was made following a request from Sepahijala district magistrate Vishal Kumar, who raised concerns about the frequent visits of medical representatives during peak hours.
District Magistrate Vishal Kumar, in a letter dated June 30, highlighted the unhindered access of medical representatives to doctors and the presence of medicine samples, calendars, and advertisements of pharmaceutical companies within hospital premises.
Acting on this request, the director of family welfare and preventive medicine issued a circular on Tuesday, instructing all chief medical officers (CMOs) to enforce the ban on medical representatives during the specified hours.
The Professional Sales Representatives Union (PSRU), Tripura unit, expressed discontent with the government's decision, viewing it as an unwarranted attempt to eliminate the medical representatives' profession.
The union emphasised the importance of medical representatives' role in disseminating information about the latest medicines to doctors, ultimately benefiting patients. They also argued against any infringement on their right to work.
The PSRU plans to convene a meeting to discuss the circular and devise a strategy for addressing this issue.
Meanwhile, the Tripura government aims to ensure that government health facilities remain free from pharmaceutical advertisements and undue influence during crucial operational hours.
With this ban in effect, the medical community in Tripura awaits further developments and potential revisions to the government's decision. FD SB