HomeCover newsHealth Ministry Bans Pharma Reps from Hospital Premises in New Directive

Health Ministry Bans Pharma Reps from Hospital Premises in New Directive

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Dhaka: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued a 10-point directive aimed at enhancing hospital management, which includes a provision banning pharmaceutical company representatives from hospital premises. This directive, which seeks to improve healthcare services in both government and private hospitals, was signed by Deputy Secretary Umme Habiba of the Health Services Division on November 18. The measures outlined in the directive are designed to improve treatment quality, especially for individuals injured during the mass protests related to the anti-discrimination students’ movement.

The directive mandates that both government and private hospitals prioritize the treatment of injured patients, offering free care and, if needed, covering the cost of medicines at private hospitals. If a patient in a private hospital cannot afford the treatment, the government will cover the cost of medications upon submission of verified bills and vouchers to the Directorate of Health Services.

For cases requiring advanced medical care unavailable within India, applications to send patients abroad must be supported by a medical board’s recommendations and promptly submitted to the Health Services Division. To enhance hospital management, the directive also calls for the implementation of visitor cards to regulate entry, ensuring unauthorized individuals are not allowed in patient rooms.

Additionally, medical staff are required to strictly adhere to appointment schedules and examination timings. Hospitals must establish reception desks to categorize patients based on their ailments and guide them to the appropriate doctors. Ticketing processes should be simplified, and digital systems should be implemented where feasible. The directive also ensures that only registered or certified individuals are involved in providing medical services at any stage.

These measures from the Health Ministry aim to improve the efficiency and orderliness of healthcare services while ensuring priority care for those impacted by recent events.