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Standing with Medical Representatives:
In the vast world of Indian healthcare, there exists a group of professionals who often go unnoticed, yet play a vital role in keeping our medical system running smoothly. We’re talking about over six lakh ( source : Hindustan Times) Medical Representatives or MRs or Medical Reps —individuals who work tirelessly behind the scenes to connect pharmaceutical innovation with medical practice.
Medical Representatives are not just salespeople—they are trained professionals. They act as the interface between doctors and the pharmaceutical industry, ensuring that healthcare providers stay updated on the latest medicines, treatment options, and innovations that can potentially save lives.
Yet, in some hospitals and clinics, they are often treated with indifference or disrespect—despite their silent contribution to patient care.
Who Are These Medical Representatives?
If you’ve ever been to a doctor’s clinic or hospital OPD, you’ve probably seen them.
Young professionals, dressed in formal attire, carrying heavy backpacks filled with product brochures, samples, and medical literature. They’re not there by chance. They’re waiting—sometimes for hours—for just a couple of minutes with a doctor.
They stand quietly in corners, often outside consultation rooms, repeating the same process several times a day:
Requesting time from a busy doctor
Speaking briefly yet clearly about a new product
Listening intently to medical feedback
Rushing to the next clinic or hospital to do it all over again
This cycle continues day after day, week after week.
It’s not just physically exhausting—it’s mentally draining too. And yet, these professionals remain committed and focused, driven by the belief that they are helping doctors treat patients better.
They:
- Update doctors with critical, evidence-based information on new drugs and treatments,
- Ensure availability of essential medicines in the right place at the right time.
- Play a direct role in improving patient health outcomes
They are an integral part of the healthcare value chain—and they deserve to be treated as such.
A Changing Landscape
Traditionally, medical representative jobs attracted graduates from various backgrounds. But the industry has evolved. Today, pharma companies prefer hiring professionals with degrees in pharmacy, life sciences, or management. The goal is to have more informed, skilled, and credible representatives who can engage in meaningful scientific discussions with healthcare providers.These professionals are:
- Trained in medical terminology and disease management.
- Regularly updated on the latest clinical studies and research
- Equipped to answer doctors’ technical queries with confidence
They don’t just promote products—they build trust, relationships, and serve as a bridge between medical innovation and clinical practice.
The Harsh Reality on Hospital Premises
Despite their important role, the working conditions for medical representatives remain disheartening in many hospitals and clinics.
Here’s what many of them face on a daily basis:
Denied entry at the main hospital gate, without any explanation
Asked to enter through back doors, service elevators, or parking areas
Denied parking, even when they are willing to pay
Confronted by rude security guards or administrative staff
Made to wait for hours, only to be told the doctor has left or is not available
Imagine spending 10–12 hours a day in such an environment, knowing that your work matters, but still being treated as a nuisance or outsider.
A Call to Action for Hospitals
To all Hospital Administrators, General Managers, Owners, and CEOs—this is a sincere appeal:
The healthcare system is a team effort. It isn’t just doctors, nurses, and technicians who make it work. Pharmaceutical professionals—including MRs—are part of that ecosystem. It’s time to acknowledge that.
Yes, we understand that hospitals need to manage visitor flow, maintain decorum, and ensure patient safety. But this must be done without compromising dignity and professionalism.
A Humble Request:
🔹 Set clear, written guidelines for MR visits. Define time slots, entry protocols, and the number of reps allowed per day.
🔹 Appoint a designated liaison officer or contact person for better coordination.
🔹 Train security staff to deal with medical representatives respectfully.
🔹 Offer them basic facilities—such as a designated waiting area, access to drinking water, and use of restrooms.
These are not luxuries. They are basic courtesies.
Let’s Create a Culture of Respect
Imagine a healthcare environment where every stakeholder is treated with mutual respect—from the surgeon in the OT to the MR at the gate. That’s the kind of culture we should be striving for.
By supporting medical representatives, hospitals are not just being kind—they are being wise. Because when MRs are treated with respect, they are motivated, informed, and more committed to serving doctors and patients alike.
Let’s remember:
“Hospitals are healing spaces—not just for patients, but for everyone who walks through their doors with a purpose.”
In a country where healthcare is rapidly evolving, and access to quality treatment is becoming more dependent on innovation and awareness, medical representatives are more important than ever. It’s time tostart recognizing them as partners in patient care.
Let’s treat them with the dignity they deserve.
Regards:
Team Esteve Pharma
