Odisha: Medical Reps barred from promoting medicines

The outpatient departments (OPDs) at government-run hospitals in Odisha will no longer be witness to any sort or any sight of promotion of medicines by medical representatives in the state.

This initiative is a clear step forward to make appropriate and maximum use of the government stocks of medicines supplied to the hospitals. The officers-in-charge will be under supervision to ensure doctors only prescribe medicine supplied by the government. This is also expected to reduce the patient’s expenditure.

Fresh guidelines have been issued by health secretary Arti Ahuja to the chief district medical officers (CDMOs) and superintendents of medical colleges.

Under the new guidelines, this responsibility has been entrusted to the medical officer in-charge of the OPD. There is now a strict restriction imposed on MRs and private firms from recommending their products during OPD hours of doctors on duty-under the supervision of the medical officer in-charge of the OPD.

As reported by TOI, advocating rational use of government supplied medicines and consumables, Ahuja said, "The government is supplying quality medicines, surgical, suture and other items to all health institutions. But it has come to notice that sometimes doctors are prescribing medicines and consumables to patients to purchase from outside though the same/substitute medicines are available at hospital stores."

Under Niramaya, a scheme launched by the state government in May last year, the government promises 570 medicines free of cost in government facilities.