SRINAGAR: District Hospital Kulgam has prohibited medical representatives (MRs) from entering patient-care areas, including outpatient departments (OPDs), wards and casualty, during official working hours with immediate effect.
An order issued by the hospital’s Medical Superintendent states that the restriction will apply daily from 10 am to 4 pm.
The directive follows observations by the hospital administration that MRs were frequently entering clinical areas during duty hours and, in some cases, interacting with patients and examining their prescriptions.
The administration said such activities were affecting patient care, hospital discipline and the functioning of clinical services.
Under the order, MRs have been barred from approaching doctors or patients in OPDs, wards, casualty and other patient-care areas for promotional or professional purposes during the restricted period.
They may, however, meet doctors concerned after duty hours, provided such interactions do not interfere with patient-care services or hospital operations.
Consultants, medical officers, nursing staff, heads of sections and security personnel have been instructed to ensure strict implementation of the order.
The Medical Superintendent warned that violations would be treated seriously and could lead to disciplinary action under the relevant rules.
