Parliament Question: Ban on medical representatives in Government hospitals

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF PHARMACEUTICALS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION No. 3615 TO BE ANSWERED ON THE 24TH MARCH 2026 Ban on medical representatives in Government hospitals 3615 Shri A. D. Singh: Will the Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers be pleased to state: (a) whether Government has imposed a ban on medical representatives visiting Government hospitals and meeting doctors; (b) if so, the reasons for such a ban; (c) whether the ban may affect the flow of information regarding new medicines and medical equipment to doctors; and (d) the alternative mechanisms proposed by Government to ensure timely updates to doctors on medical advancements and innovations? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS (SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL) (a) & (b): Department of Health & Family Welfare has informed that as per their Office Order dated 12th May 2023 and 28th May 2025, issued by the Directorate General of Health Services, it has been communicated that Medical Representatives are not permitted in Central Government Hospitals. The purpose of curbing frequent visits of medical representatives in Government hospitals is to prevent any unethical marketing practices. (c) & (d): Department of Health & Family Welfare has informed that doctors receive information about new treatments, investigations, or procedures from medical representatives through email, other digital media or in Continuing Medical Education (CME) & conferences. This move aligns with broader efforts to regulate pharmaceutical marketing practices and reduce unethical activities. *****