Stent prices reduced 85%, industry says cap overkill

Stents will now be priced below Rs 30,000 apiece following the government's decision to slash their prices by as much as 85%. The government has also made it mandatory for hospitals to bill stents separately from surgical procedures or package costs.A stent is a mesh tube placed in arteries with a view to improve the blood flow to the heart.Health activists welcomed the government move as it could lead to a reduction in medical expenses. Apollo Hospitals said it would pass on the benefit to patients but manufacturers are upset over the decision that caps prices of all forms of stents at Rs 30,000. The government decision is an overkill,” said Rajiv Nath, forum co-ordinator, AiMed, which represents domestic stent manufacturers .Stents sold in India at present are priced between Rs 25,000 and Rs 200,000 apiece. Most stents sold in the country are drug coated.

(Reference: http://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/stent-prices-cut-85-industry-screams-overkill-117021400990_1.html)