Question : MEDICAL DEVICES AND EQUIPMENTS

(a) whether the Government has takennote of high and rising prices of medical devices and equipments, including thoseused for dental care in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof along withthe reasons therefor;

(c) whether the Government proposesto set up medical technology parks to encourage domestic manufacturing ofmedical devices and equipments and reduce the proportion of imports, thereby reducingthe cost of dental care;

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not,the reasons therefor; and

(e) the measures being taken by theGovernment to regulate the high price of medical devices and equipments in themarket and protect the consumers beingovercharged by the hospitals/companies forthe same?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI SHRIPAD YESSO NAIK)

(a) & (b): The pricing of drugs including notified devices is regulated by the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) under the Department of Pharmaceuticals. That Department has informed that reports have been appearing in the print media that the medical devices are sold at exorbitant prices with high profit/ trade margin particularly in cases of cardiac stents, orthopedic implants etc.

(c) & (d): The Department of Pharmaceuticals is responsible to examine and take steps to encourage domestic manufacturing of medical devices and equipment and reduce the proportion of imports. That Department has also constituted a Task Force on 31st October, 2014 under the Chairmanship of Secretary (Pharmaceuticals) with representatives from all concerned Departments/ Institutions and Industry Associations to examine the matter.

(e): National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority monitors/ regulates the prices of drugs and medical devices and also continues to review the same in consultation with the manufacturers/ importers.