Srinagar: The Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) has taken significant steps to promote the use of generic medicines and curtailed the visits of Medical Representatives (MRs) to the hospital premises.
This decision comes after an advisory from the Director General Health Services, Government of India, and subsequent endorsement by the Director of SKIMS & Ex. Officio Secretary to the Government.
According to a circular issued by SKIMS, which has been obtained by the news agency Kashmir News Observer (KNO), all medications prescribed in government hospitals are mandated to be generic medicines, and the use of branded medicines is strictly prohibited.
“The move is aimed at reducing healthcare costs and making essential medicines more accessible to patients.
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The circular further emphasizes that the visits of Medical Representatives to the hospital premises are now completely curtailed. “MRs, who were previously allowed to promote and detail branded medicines directly to medical professionals at the hospital, will no longer have this privilege.”
Instead, any information about new medicine launches and updates will be communicated solely through e-mail communication, the order added.
Kashmir’s primary hospital, SKIMS is directly operated by LG administration. Last year, the healthcare institute lost its autonomy; this month its recruitment powers were suspended. Now, all gazetted, faculty vacancies and posts under direct quota at SKIMS Soura and Medical College Bemina shall be made through J&K Public Service Commission (PSC).