Mr Chetan Singh Jauramajra, the State Health Minister, recently visited the Government Medical College at Amritsar. After his visit, the principal of the Government Medical College (GMC) issued a notice instructing doctors to write the generic names of the salts and not the brand name in the prescription of the patients.

The Principal has asked the heads of the departments and the department in charges to ensure compliance with the orders. He added that during business hours, it′s common to see medical representatives from pharmaceutical firms circulating throughout the hospital to promote their products. Unscrupulous agents frequently sway physicians through dishonest tactics, such as gifts and cash. He pointed out that most doctors also prescribe the brand names of the companies that provide incentives to them.