Pharma body seeks rethink on entry curbs of MRs in govt hospitals

Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance warns that the DGHS ban on medical representatives may affect public health, slow innovation and result in pharma sector job losses

Pharma body Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA) has urged the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) to reconsider the curb on entry of medical representatives (MRs) in central government hospitals, citing ‘far-reaching’ implications on public health, innovation and healthcare delivery.

 

IPA, which represents leading drug firms in the country accounting for 65 per cent of the domestic market, said that the move may lead to job losses in the pharma sector, especially those of MRs.

 

In its letter dated June 6, IPA said that while they understand and respect the intent to maintain discipline and patient safety in public hospitals, they