GMC Principal seeks explanation from HoD

Tribune News Service
Patiala, October 16

A day after The Tribune exposed the alleged nexus between government doctors and pharmaceuticals companies at Government Rajindra Hospital, the authorities today sought an explanation from the Medicine Department on the issue.

Taking cognisance of The Tribune report, GMC Principal Dr Harjinder Singh asked the doctors of the Medicine Department to refrain from the unethical practice of meeting medical representatives (MRs) of pharmaceutical companies during the OPD hours.

Confirming the development, Dr Harjinder said he had already asked the Head of the Department of the Medicine to give an explanation.

He said: “Principal secretary DK Tiwari has already sought a report from me on the issue. Therefore, I have asked the HoD to give an explanation in this regard.”

On Wednesday, The Tribune had highlighted that senior doctors were seen engaging with an MR of a pharmaceutical company during the OPD hours. A few of them agreed to the recommendations of the MR then and there.

Harjinder said after getting an explanation from the department, he would submit a report to the Principal Secretary, Research and Medical Education.

Following the recent development, the authorities concerned have issued fresh warnings to the doctors to refrain from engaging MRs during the OPD hours. Doctors had been asked to dedicate their OPD timings only to patients.