PGI Chandigarh to LEGALLY Deal with Unauthorized Pharma MRs, Private Lab Representatives and Doctors who invite them

New Delhi: In a stringent view to curtail unfair trade practices and discourage unethical business in the hospital premises carried out by the representatives of private labs and pharma firms, the authorities at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) have concluded to deal with the concerned persons as per legal provisions.

Confirmation to this effect was given by the PGIMER director Jagat Ram, who circulated an official order in this regard a week ago. The order stated that the administration has taken note of the unauthorised entry by representatives of private laboratories and pharmaceutical firms in the hospital wards and OTs for meeting the medical requirements of patients in case of last moment surgeries.

The office order noted that previous orders in this regard have been issued and despite this due to various factors Including at nick of time requirements of surgery, such unauthorized  Personnel enter the Ots and Wards of the Hospital.

In continuation to this office order issued under EndSt. No. PGl-MA1-1 20181F-1. fin concerned -73, dated 23.03.2018 wherein it Was brought to the notice of all concerned  Officers/Officials Of the Institute that the unauthorized personnel from the Private Labs and Medical Representatives of various Pharma by Companies are trying to carry their business in an unethical way by approaching the patients and their attendants. Various circulars have been issued by the Hospital Administration on this issue. However, due to various factors Including at nick of time requirements of surgery, such unauthorized  Personnel enter the Ots and Wards of the Hospital. This practice is totally unacceptable, unethical and amount to malpractices. 

The order noted the role of treating doctors in the presense of the trespassing MRs

Despite repeated instructions/circulars, It has again been observed that few Labs & Medical Representatives are still visiting the Institute as they are called by the treating doctors or patient's attendants for medical tests or other medical requirements of their patients

As per the medical practitioner, on a daily basis around 25 representatives from different private firms visit the hospital OPDs and other patient care units for selling medical products. This causes a lot of trouble in the hospital premises and affects patient care.

Striking the root cause of the practice, PGIMER administration has also directed the Department Heads to prepare an internal instrument for rendering unavailable services in consultation with the department in cases where the institute is competent of providing the required facilities to patients. They have been further directed to bring such practices to doctor's and the department employees' notice so that it can be restrained.

Speaking to the HT, PGIMER director Jagat Ram stated, “The patients should inform us if they are persuaded by anyone on the hospital premises to undergo tests at private laboratories and anybody violating the instructions shall be dealt with strictly as per legal provisions.”

The decision of the administration has been backed by the PGI Faculty Association of the institute. Association president JS Thakur told the daily that the private players should be discouraged from involving in such activities.