Rs. 11 IV Set Sold for Rs. 325 in Hospital: Maharashtra FDA Flags Concern

A Maharashtra FDA survey found huge price differences in hospital medical products. An IV set bought for Rs. 11.05 had an MRP of Rs. 325, while a Rs. 6.75 syringe had an MRP of Rs. 57.20.

Rs.11 IV Set Sold With Rs.325 MRP: Maharashtra FDA Flags Hospital Price Gaps

FDA Finds Large Price Differences

The Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised concerns about the prices of medical products used in hospitals.

A survey by the Maharashtra State Price Monitoring Resource Unit (MSPMRU) found large differences between the prices hospitals paid for some medical products and their printed MRP. The survey covered hospitals in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, Pune and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.

For example:

  • An IV infusion set bought for around Rs.11.05 had an MRP of Rs.325.
  • A 10 ml syringe bought for Rs.6.75 had an MRP of Rs.57.20.
  • A catheter bought for Rs.29.41 had an MRP of Rs.310.

Why Is This a Concern?

FDA Commissioner Tukaram Mundhe said patients often cannot choose whether to use these products during hospital treatment. Patients may also not know the actual procurement price of these medical consumables, making it difficult to question the amount they are charged.

Unlike some medicines, many medical devices and hospital consumables do not currently have similar price controls under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.

FDA Seeks Review

Mundhe has submitted a proposal to the Department of Pharmaceuticals and the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA).

The FDA has asked for the pricing of commonly used hospital devices and consumables to be reviewed and for possible rules to control the gap between procurement prices and MRPs. The proposal is now with the central authorities for consideration.

 

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