BioVoice News March 2017 Issue 10 Volume 1 | Page 21

Patients express happiness !
The heart patients cutting across sections are overjoyed due to the decision . Especially , the ones from lower strata of the society are not bothered about the complexities it created but more about the less price they have to pay . One such patient , Vinod Kumar told BioVoice News that he had to shell out Rs 70,000 six months ago for a stent while undergoing surgery at a private hospital . He is happy that others won ’ t have to sell valuables to save their life . Going by the sentiments , it is clear that the government would be in no mood to reconsider its decision .
differences , it said .
AdvaMed says that while the intent is to cap prices in patient interest , this pricing has the potential to block innovations and limit access to world-class medical care and options to deserving patients . The singular focus on controlling ceiling price of stents , without attempting to address the larger picture and correct inefficiencies in the healthcare ecosystem will not achieve its stated benefit , in the long run .
The Medical Technology Association of India too said that it is disappointed with the announcement of price capping of coronary stents by NPPA as it feels that this move will reduce the options available for the Indian patient for their specific medical condition or deprive them the satisfaction of choosing from the most advanced and cutting edge technologies . “ So far , India which was known for its quality of angioplasties , now as a result of the announced price capping , may lose this place of pride eventually . To ensure that India continues to maintain its rightful place in world-class medical care as well as continues to grant the patients the right to choose their treatment , MTaI once again seeks differentiation between the distinct categories of Drug Eluting Stents ,” said its statement issued on February 15th .
Day to day monitoring to keep erring hospitals under scanner
Mr Ananth Kumar said that he will write to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to keep a check on increase the price of procedure , doctor ’ s fee and prolong the patients ’ stay by hospitals to make up for losses it and also ensure
BIOVOICENEWS . COM 21