In a move that can reduce the financial burden on the patients at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), the authorities have instructed the doctors against prescribing medicines from outside the hospital. In addition, the doctors have been also asked not to suggest the patients to undergo pathological and radiology tests in private labs.

The flurry of orders also includes a couple for the doctors. In order to bring in discipline and avoid delays, the doctors have been asked to wear aprons when on duty and reach their assigned departments in time.

The step has been taken following several complaints by the patients that the doctors prescribed medicines from outside which were costlier than the ones available in the hospital. It is important to mention here that the patients coming into PMCH belong to poor section of the society, and come there from places as far as Nepal.

According to the authorities, a total of 256 medicines are available from within the hospital, which cover most of the disease of all branches.