The National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) made it mandatory for these facilities to disclose separately the cost of the stent when charging a patient. Medical facilities, including retailers and resellers of stents, should also display the price list of stents on a part of their premises that is easily accessible to anyone wishing to consult the same.
"Establishments such as hospitals, nursing homes and coronary stent clinics will specifically and separately mention the cost of the coronary stent with its brand name, the name of the manufacturer / importer / lot number, and other Details, if any, to patients or their representatives, "NPPA said in an order, notifying ceiling prices for coronary stents.
More than 90% of the stents implanted in India are DES - metal stents coated with a drug that prevents the arteries from closing. Until now, the price of DES in India had varied anywhere from Rs 35,000 to Rs 1.95 lakh. Prices of bare metal stents have been capped at Rs 7,260, whereas both drugeluting stents (DES) and biodegradable stents will now cost Rs 29,600. The regulator, however, said the new prices will be applicable for a period of one year, unless revised by another gazette notification.
Data presented by the industry to NPPA shows hospitals and doctors earned a huge mark up on the manufacturers' or dealers' cost, sometimes to the extent of 650%.
