TNI Bureau: The Medicine Representatives (MR) in Odisha will have a tough period ahead as they have been restricted to visit two big hospitals in Twin city of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar. The decision by the hospital authorities is likely to trigger demonstrations and protests displeasing the MR unions in the state.

The Hospital Management Society and Swasthya Vikash Samiti have decided not to allow the MRs to meet on-duty doctors in order to provide the patients smooth check-up and consultations with the doctors at Capital Hospital in Bhubaneswar and SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. The hospital authorities have also instructed their doctors to prescribe low-cost medicines as part of treatment to the patients instead of branded drugs.

The Swasthya Vikash Samiti headed by central division revenue divisional commissioner (RDC) Arvind Padhi has also directed the authorities of MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur restricting the MRs from meeting the on-duty doctors there. The similar order might be implemented against the MRs prohibiting them from the VSS Medical College and Hospital in Burla during work hours.

Following the decision, the capital hospital in Bhubaneswar and the state-run medical college and hospital in Cuttack have implemented the order from Feb 15.

The authorities of Capital and SCB hospitals might have welcomed Padhi’s decision, but the medical representatives unions will not sit silent for the losses, which will occur due to such type order. They may stage dharna or demonstrations at Lower PMG in front of Odisha Legislative Assembly during the Budget session.