The NPPA had capped the prices of knee implants in 2017 to curb exorbitant costs, bringing down overall procedure expenses for patients by up to 70%. The move was hailed as a landmark step in medical device price regulation. The move, made under the extraordinary powers granted by the Drug Price Control Order (DPCO), 2013, was hailed as a landmark intervention in making joint replacement surgeries more affordable across India.
The Authority has since been reviewing industry feedback and extending the notified prices from time to time to maintain regulatory stability. As reported by The Economic Times, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) is expected to review the ceiling prices of knee implants in a meeting scheduled for next week.
The Medical Dialogues Team had reported earlier that the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA), under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, extended the applicability of ceiling prices for orthopaedic knee implants used in knee replacement systems up to 15th November 2025.
Also Read: NPPA Extends Price Cap on Knee Implants Until November 15, 2025
Since the price cap was imposed, manufacturers and industry associations have repeatedly urged the government to revise the ceiling prices and introduce a separate category for “innovative” knee implants. They argue that advanced implants involving new materials or technology should be exempted from strict price controls to promote research and development (R&D) in the sector.
However, patient-advocacy groups have opposed any relaxation in price caps, warning that affordability must remain the top priority.
Industry sources confirmed that stakeholders are pushing for a permissible 10% price increase under Para 20 of the DPCO, which allows an annual price revision for controlled products.
Regarding this, an industry insider told the Economic Times, "The stakeholders are of the view that the current review should happen under Para 20. which means that they will be eligible to take a 10% hike for their products. The NPPA will continue to monitor it and if they find any discrepancy, they can penalize the company."
In line with the above, the NPPA has sought detailed sales data from manufacturers and importers of both primary and revision knee systems to assess current market trends. Multiple representations from the industry, including requests for a 10% hike and exemptions for innovative implants, are currently under review by the authority.
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