Pharma reps allowed 2 days a week in govt hospitals, no photographing prescriptions: DGHS

Pharmaceutical company representatives will now be allowed to meet doctors in government hospitals only two days a week during specific hours, according to a new directive from the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS).

Representatives can visit on Mondays and Thursdays between 12:00pm and 2:30pm. Outside these hours, they will not be permitted to remain on hospital premises.

The DGHS has also banned photography of prescriptions, patient information, or hospital-issued documents by pharma representatives.

On 9 September, the DGHS issued a notice signed by Director (Administration) Dr ABM Abu Hanif, outlining eight directives for all government hospitals.

The measures aim to protect the reputation of government physicians among the public and to ensure proper healthcare services.

DGHS warned that legal action will be taken against any representative violating the rules. During approved visiting hours, representatives must display their company-issued ID cards.

The notice further stated that doctors must not recommend any tests or medicines to be done or purchased from outside if those are available in government hospitals.

DGHS also strictly prohibited advising diagnostic tests on pads supplied or branded by private diagnostic centres or writing prescriptions on any company's pad. "No private seals may be used in government health facilities except those approved or supplied by the government."

However, the use of seals with non-promotional generic names is permitted.

"Lists of medicines supplied by private pharmaceutical companies cannot be kept on the tables of government healthcare facilities," the notice added.