The Federal Ministry of Health banned foreign visits of government doctors for conferences and seminars, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Tuesday.

According to the circular issued by the Federal Ministry of Health, government doctors have been banned from going abroad at the expense of pharmaceutical companies and donors.

However, government doctors will not get leave for conferences and seminars abroad.

According to the Federal Ministry of Health officials, the decision has been made to break the close ties between doctors and pharmaceutical companies adding that more steps are being taken to break the ties.

The officials clarified that this decision will apply to doctors in federal hospitals.

Moreover, doctors are also banned from prescribing vitamins, minerals, and food supplements throughout the country.

Additionally, the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) and Drug Regulatory Authority of Pakistan (DRAP) have been mobilized against corruption.