The Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) has issued eight strict directives aimed at safeguarding the professional reputation of government doctors and curbing undue influence of pharmaceutical companies inside hospitals.

Key provisions include:

Doctors are prohibited from prescribing on pads branded with private diagnostic centers, clinics, or pharmaceutical companies.

Patients cannot be directed to purchase medicines or undergo tests outside the government hospital if those services are available in-house.

Private seals cannot be used; only generic-name stamps without advertisements are allowed.

Lists of company-supplied medicines cannot be placed on hospital desks.

Representatives of pharmaceutical companies are forbidden from collecting prescriptions or personal patient data.

Company representatives may only meet doctors on Mondays and Thursdays between 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm. Outside of these hours, legal action will be taken against violators.

Representatives must display company-issued ID cards visibly during visits.

The DGHS has warned that any breach of these directives will result in strict legal action against both the companies and the doctors involved.