DoP lock horns with health ministry over capping of stent prices

As reported by TOI, in a fresh letter to the health ministry, the department has mooted voluntary price control measures by the medical devices industry.

However, industry sources said medical device manufacturers, especially multinationals, are trying all means to scuttle the move. Many of these firms have also been advocating and pushing for self-regulation. According to a senior executive in a multinational medical device manufacturing firm, several companies have also submitted representations with the department of pharma and National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority giving pricing details as well as suggesting methods to bring down prices voluntarily.

In a meeting with such manufacturers recently, the DoP also impressed upon the need for all such companies to disclose "price to retailer" and "maximum retail price" of their products to NPPA. It has also suggested that "manufacturers will voluntarily propose a reduction in the marketing expenses of these products and consequentially on the MRP".

The department has proposed that a decision on price regulation should be taken only after reviewing information submitted by the industry voluntarily.